NCC bans Nigerians under 18 from buying SIM cards

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has implemented a new policy, prohibiting Nigerians under the age of 18 from owning Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

Senior officials at the NCC explained that the move is part of broader efforts to tighten telecommunications regulations to bolster national security and protect the young population.
Under the new rules, parents and guardians are permitted to obtain SIMs in their names for their children and wards, thereby accepting any ensuing responsibilities.

“This measure ensures that minors are protected while also strengthening our national security framework,” one NCC official stated.
The commission views the acquisition of a SIM card as a contractual agreement that necessitates legal capacity, which minors do not possess until they reach the age of consent, set at 18 years in Nigeria.
The policy, which stems from the 2021 Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations proposed by the NCC, is now fully in force.

NCC has been tweaking its telecommunications policies to combat security threats in Nigeria.
Constitutionally, 18 years is the age of consent in Nigeria.
NCC believes 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.

In 2021, the NCC proposed a Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations where it suggested banning minors in Nigeria from acquiring a SIM card. That regulation is now in effect, officials said.
One of the NCC officials said the policy will place a significant responsibility on parents to monitor the mobile activities of their minors.
Peoplesmind