Why Nigerians below 18 should not own SIM cards — NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has explained why it wants Nigerians below the age of 18 barred from owning a SIM card.

The telecoms regulator said the plan is to “protect minors” and protect them from the liabilities of that arise from the usage of such SIMs.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 6, the commission said, “The age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria.

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

Recall that in the draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on its website, the commission said, “Subscriber means a person not below the age of 18 years who subscribes to communications services by purchasing a subscription medium or entering into a subscription contract with a licensee.”