The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially banned the sale of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards to individuals under the age of 18, a decision aimed at safeguarding minors from potential liabilities associated with mobile usage.
This new regulation, confirmed by sources at the commission, reflects an ongoing commitment to enhance national security and protect vulnerable populations.
According to a senior NCC official, parents and guardians will still have the option to purchase SIM cards in their own names for their children, thereby assuming all associated responsibilities and liabilities.
The NCC believes that SIM acquisition constitutes a legal contract that requires subscribers to possess the proper legal status and maturity to understand and uphold the obligations tied to such agreements.
The move aligns with Nigeria’s legal framework, as 18 years is recognized as the age of consent.
This policy has been in the works since 2021 when the NCC first proposed the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, which included recommendations to prevent minors from obtaining SIM cards.
Now that this regulation is in effect, it is expected to increase parental responsibility in monitoring the mobile activities of young users.
This policy comes at a time when Nigeria has seen a significant decline in mobile subscriptions, plummeting from 219 million in March to just 153 million in September.
Officials attribute this drop to the removal of SIM cards that were not linked to verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), further underscoring the NCC’s focus on tightening regulatory measures within the telecommunications sector.
As the NCC continues to refine its policies in response to evolving security threats, this ban on SIM card purchases for minors marks a pivotal step toward enhancing user accountability and national safety.