NCC Reportedly Bars Under 18 From Owing Sim Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reportedly barred individuals under the age of 18 from obtaining Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

A PREMIUM TIMES report said a source within the NCC said the policy is set up to “protect minors” from potential liabilities associated with mobile phone usage.

Another official also stated that the new policy will now require parents and guardians to register SIM cards on behalf of their children or wards.

This registration thereby allows the parents or guardian to assume full responsibility for any activities conducted using those SIMs.

The overall intent, according to the sources, is to protect minors and strengthen national security.

The NCC has been adjusting its telecommunications policies to combat security threats in Nigeria. However, this is not the first time the commission will barre or implement an age restriction for mobile subscribers; in 2021, NCC did the same

In a statement released when the regulation was first announced in October 2021, NCC explained that it raised the age of obtaining a SIM card from 16 to 18.

According to the Commission, this is also consistent with the Nigerian constitution, which states that a Nigerian can enter into a contractual relationship at the age of 18.

The Commission explained that SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of mature mind, and be rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations, and liabilities imposed by a contract.

“The regulation is, therefore, to protect minors. Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards, in which case they assume whatever responsibilities or liabilities arise from the usage of such SIMs, a measure expected to also strengthen national security,” NCC said.

“While the Commission is progressively pursuing digital inclusion for all, the draft proposal is intended to guarantee increased monitoring of children and shield the minors from undue liabilities in line with NCC’s Child Online Protection drive.”