The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed new requirements for Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card acquisition in Nigeria, including that Nigerians or residents below the age of 18 will not qualify to register and own a SIM.
According to the draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website, NCC limited telecoms subscribers to only include anyone above the age of 18.
In the modified regulations, “‘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.”
The Licensee refers to ‘a provider of communications services that utilises a subscription medium in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.
The commission stated that the regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon it by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
In accordance with Section 57 of the Act, the NCC on Tuesday held a Public Inquiry on the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, alongside the draft SIM Replacement Guidelines and the draft Spectrum Trading Guidelines at its head office in Abuja.
The NCC’s Executive Commissioner Stakeholders’ Management, Mr Adeleke Adewolu, said at the event: “The public inquiry is an avenue that enables the commission develop and review its regulatory instruments by incorporating the comments and suggestions of industry stakeholders.”
During the public inquiry, which was held physically and virtually, key stakeholders, including telcos, urged the commission to revise the age limit.
For instance, MTN requested the commission to make the age limit 14 years and above.
However, the commission insisted on 18 years and above for anyone who wants to own and register a SIM in Nigeria.
