The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all pornography websites immediately, a move lawmakers say is necessary to uphold societal values and curb moral decay.

The directive, led by Hon. Dalhatu Tafoki, warns that internet service providers (ISPs) that fail to comply will face penalties. The decision has ignited a debate over internet freedom, censorship, and the role of government in regulating online content.

Tafoki, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, introduced the motion, citing concerns over the psychological and sociological risks of pornography.

“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all major religions condemn nudity and obscenity,” Tafoki said. “Many nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have implemented strict regulations against pornography, and Nigeria must take similar steps.”

He also referenced “renowned psychologists and sociologists” who argue that pornography contributes to adultery, prostitution, addiction, unrealistic expectations in relationships, and changes in attitudes toward family and marriage.

Following the deliberation, the House:

• Mandated ISPs to immediately block access to adult content.
• Directed the NCC to impose penalties on non-compliant ISPs.
• Instructed the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure enforcement and report back within four weeks.

The ruling has sparked backlash from civil rights groups, tech industry leaders, and digital freedom advocates, who argue that a blanket ban on pornography sets a dangerous precedent for online censorship and government overreach.

Gbenga Sesan, executive director of Paradigm Initiative, criticized the government’s priorities, saying:

“The obsession of our National Assembly with pornography and everything else apart from good governance is quite worrying.”

He added that past government crackdowns have already resulted in the unjust shutdown of legitimate media websites, raising concerns that this new directive could lead to wider censorship.

Similarly, telecom executive Ejike Onyeaso questioned whether the government should have the power to control what adults do in private:

“The telecommunications industry might have the power to shut down sites, but it needs to be balanced with citizens’ rights. If an adult chooses to visit a site in private, should the government interfere?”

Nigeria’s move aligns with internet restrictions seen in some parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where broader censorship measures often follow government-imposed blocks on adult content.

Critics warn that the vague language used in the directive—calling for a crackdown on “obscene and pornographic content”—could extend beyond adult websites to impact:

• Sexual health education resources
• LGBTQ+ content
• Artistic and literary works deemed inappropriate by conservative standards

While the NCC has yet to formally respond, its enforcement strategy and potential impact on internet freedoms in Nigeria will be closely watched.

For now, Nigerian ISPs face mounting pressure to comply with the ban, and internet users may soon find themselves restricted from accessing content that has long been available online.