Nigerians Under 18 Banned From Buying SIM Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has implemented a new policy, prohibiting Nigerians under the age of 18 from owning Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

This decision, according to sources within the commission who spoke with PremiumTimes, is designed to safeguard minors from the responsibilities and liabilities associated with SIM usage.

Senior officials at the NCC explained that the move is part of broader efforts to tighten telecommunications regulations to bolster national security and protect the young population.

Under the new rules, parents and guardians are permitted to obtain SIMs in their names for their children and wards, thereby accepting any ensuing responsibilities.

“This measure ensures that minors are protected while also strengthening our national security framework,” one NCC official stated.

The commission views the acquisition of a SIM card as a contractual agreement that necessitates legal capacity, which minors do not possess until they reach the age of consent, set at 18 years in Nigeria.

The policy, which stems from the 2021 Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations proposed by the NCC, is now fully in force.

It places a significant onus on parents and guardians to closely monitor and manage the mobile phone use of their underage children.