Reps Order NCC to Block All Pornographic Websites in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to mandate internet service providers to block access to all pornographic websites in the country.

The decision, made on March 11, 2025, follows concerns about the negative societal effects of cyber pornography, including its links to adultery, prostitution, and addiction. The motion, sponsored by APC lawmaker Dalhatu Tafoki from Katsina State, emphasized that Nigeria, as a highly religious nation, should not permit content that promotes nudity and obscenity.

Although child pornography is explicitly outlawed under the Child Rights Act and the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act of 2015, there has been no nationwide ban on adult pornography. However, some states, such as Lagos, already prohibit the public display of explicit content.

With this new directive, the NCC has been tasked with enforcing the ban and ensuring that service providers comply or face penalties. While this marks a significant step toward regulating adult content online, challenges remain regarding its implementation, enforcement, and the broader debate on internet censorship.

It remains to be seen how effective the ban will be and how internet users in Nigeria will respond.