Nigeria Cracks Down On Adult Content Sites Like OnlyFans
The Nigerian parliament recently passed a resolution banning pornographic websites with immediate effect. The decision follows a motion presented by lawmaker Dalhatu Tafoki, who raised concerns about the accessibility of explicit content and its perceived impact on societal values, particularly among youth.
Concerns over moral decline
According to Peoples Gazette, Tafoki highlighted the psychological and social risks he believes are linked to exposure to pornography, citing global research by psychologists and sociologists. “Renowned psychologists and sociologists worldwide have issued strong warnings about the psychological, sociological, and mental consequences of consuming pornographic content,” he stated.
Lawmakers supporting the motion echoed concerns about moral decline, arguing for the protection of cultural and religious values. Tafoki also noted the timing of the motion, as many Nigerians are observing religious fasts during Ramadan and Lent.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all major religions forbid nudity and obscenity,” he told the House of Representatives, according to The African Report. “Additionally, several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted legislation banning pornography within their jurisdictions.”
Telecoms experts raise concerns
The proposed ban has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates and telecommunications professionals. Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative, cautioned that previous attempts to restrict online content have sometimes led to the unintended blocking of legitimate news and educational site, PUNCH Nigeria reports.
Telecom executive Ejike Onyeaso also warned of potential human rights implications, including threats to freedom of expression and privacy. “The telecommunications industry might have the power to shut down sites, but it needs to be balanced with citizens’ rights,” Onyeaso said.
How would this affect adult content platforms?
The House of Representatives directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to enforce the immediate shutdown of adult content websites in the country. This will likely have notable financial and legal consequences for individuals who use such platforms for income, particularly within Nigeria.
One such platform, AllAccess, was developed in part to support content creators, including those who work in adult entertainment, to navigate the digital economy. Its founders, Ifeoluwa Omai and Oladapo Giwa, stated the platform also prioritizes creator safety and financial independence, especially for female adult content creators.
“I needed to get these women out of the chokehold that the middlemen had,” Omai told Techpoint. “There’s literally a whole industry in Nigeria at the moment. People are making millions off signing up African content creators on places like OnlyFans.”
Image: Kxrabo
