NCC bans citizens under 18 years from owning SIM cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new regulation banning anyone below 18 years from owning Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards.

The new regulation is part of a modified Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website.

This proposed regulation puts SIM card ownership in the same bracket as requirements for purchasing alcohol and driving.

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 draft signed by Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, read.

The commission said the proposed regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon the commission by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.