Nigeria to Ban All Porn Websites, Penalize Non-Compliant ISPs

Nigeria to Ban All Porn Websites, Penalize Non-Compliant ISPs

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria's House of Representatives on Tuesday directed its telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to immediately block all porn websites across the country and to enforce that ban.

Local internet service providers (ISPs) have been instructed to block access to adult websites in an effort to uphold societal values and curb "moral decay."

According to PRNigeria, Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House, warned that penalties would be imposed on ISPs that fail to comply with the new law.

The motion was led by lawmaker Dalhatu Tafoki, who argued that pornography contradicts Nigeria’s religious and cultural principles, while posing significant psychological and sociological risks.

"Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all major religions condemn nudity and obscenity," said Tafoki, who believes that Nigeria needs to take more serious steps to curb porn consumption. "Many nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have implemented strict regulations against pornography, and Nigeria must take similar steps."

Tafoka also cited "renowned psychologists and sociologists" and recited a familiar litany of concerns often floated by anti-porn crusaders: alleged increased rates of adultery, prostitution and addiction.

After deliberating on the matter, the House adopted the motion. However, the ruling has sparked concerns that such censorship could set a dangerous precedent for internet freedom in Nigeria.

Gbenga Sesan, the executive director of telecom firm Paradigm Initiative, told Nigerian news site Punch that he thought lawmakers had the wrong priorities.

"The obsession of our National Assembly with pornography and everything else apart from good governance is quite worrying," he told Punch, adding that legitimate media websites such as Naij.com have been shut down as part of past crackdowns. 

Sesan said that Nigeria "has bigger problems, including those addressed in the cybercrime law Hon. Tafoki may have suddenly discovered. One hopes that he will soon discover the sections that discuss tampering with critical infrastructure, cyber terrorism, [and] cyber fraud, so he can wield his legislative stick where it is better required."

Ejike Onyeaso, a telecom executive at Adaba Consult, also criticized the decision.

“The telecommunications industry might have the power to shut down sites, but it needs to be balanced with citizens’ rights,” Onyeaso told Punch. “It’s one thing to regulate content on broadcasting platforms like pay TV, but websites operate differently. If an adult chooses to visit a site in private, should the government interfere?"

While the NCC has yet to comment on the blistering response the edict has provoked, its committees on communications and legislative compliance are expected to report back on the matter within the next four weeks.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Two Texas Bills Restricting Sex Toy Sales Fail to Pass

Two bills aimed at restricting sales of sex toys have failed to pass the Texas state legislature during its 2025 session.

NYC Adult Stores Petition for Rehearing in Zoning Law Case

A group of adult businesses on Tuesday petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to rehear a case involving a zoning law that could severely limit adult stores’ operations in New York City.

Ofcom Releases Transparency Reporting Guidelines

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has made public its official guidance detailing how online service providers — including adult sites — will be required to publish annual transparency reports on their efforts to protect children from online harms.

New AV Rules Take Effect for Ireland-Based Sites

Ireland’s Online Safety Code came into force Monday, including a provision requiring adult sites headquartered in Ireland to implement age assurance measures beyond self-declaration.

XBIZ Amsterdam Calls on New Startups for 'Spotlight' Program

XBIZ is pleased to announce that its new “Startup Spotlight” programming will make its European premiere at XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel Amsterdam.

Show More