If you live in Nigeria and you’re below the age of 18, you can no longer get a SIM card in the country. This report is coming after NCC update its new registration policy.
According to the new draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the NCC’s website, anyone below the age of 18 cannot own a Subscriber Identity Module in Nigeria.
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The newly modified regulations by NCC, limits telecoms subscribers to only include anyone above the age of 18.
A “’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’.
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This regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon NCC by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In accordance with Section 57 of the Act, the commission conducted 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 on Tuesday.
The opening remark of the event was given by Mr Adeleke Adewolu, NCC’s Executive Commissioner Stakeholders’ Management.
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According to Mr Adeleke Adewolu, “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.”
It appears that MTN Nigeria suggested that the commission make 14 years as the age limit. But after much consideration, the commission insisted on 18 years and above.
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So what happens to current users that are below the 18 years in Nigeria? Maybe their SIM card will be blocked and they’ll have to apply for SIM card when they meet the age limit.
Going forward, only Nigerians who are 18 years and above will be able to register for a SIM card. And given that your NIN is now part of requirement to register for SIM card, it’s very difficult to boycott this.
You can download the full draft of the SIM Registration HERE
