The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has banned anyone below the age of 18 from registering and owning a SIM in Nigeria.
This was contained in a draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website.
The new regulations reads in part;
“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”
Meanwhile, during the public inquiry, which was held physically and virtually, key stakeholders, including MTN, urged the commission to revise the age limit.
MTN asked the commission to make the age limit 14 years and above.
The NCC, however, insisted on 18 years and above for anyone who wants to own and register a SIM in Nigeria.