The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially barred individuals under 18 from owning a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, reinforcing its stance that SIM card ownership is restricted to those aged 18 and above. According to the NCC, the move aims to “protect minors” from legal and security issues associated with SIM card usage.
The Commission clarified that parents and guardians may obtain SIM cards in their own names for their children or wards, thereby assuming responsibility for any liabilities that may arise. This measure, NCC states, will help shield minors and strengthen national security efforts.
The NCC has actively adjusted its telecommunications policies to counter growing security concerns in Nigeria. As SIM acquisition is considered a contract between the subscriber and service provider, the NCC insists that the subscriber must be of legal age, with the maturity to understand and assume the responsibilities of a contractual agreement. The constitutional age of consent in Nigeria is 18, aligning with the Commission’s requirement.
This regulation, initially proposed by the NCC in its 2021 Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, is now fully enforced. Telecom provider MTN had previously advocated for a lower age threshold of 14, but the NCC maintained the age limit at 18.
The updated policy places additional responsibility on parents to oversee their children’s mobile phone use, in line with the NCC’s continued focus on safeguarding minors and enhancing national security.
