NCC Bans SIM Acquisition for Minors, Holds Parents Responsible for Under-18s’ Mobile Use
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has implemented a policy that restricts Nigerians under the age of 18 from independently acquiring Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards. This new regulation aims to protect minors from potential liabilities associated with mobile phone use and to bolster national security, according to NCC sources.
Parents and guardians can, however, obtain SIM cards on behalf of their children, assuming responsibility for any related issues. This adjustment reflects the Nigerian legal age of consent—18 years—and treats SIM acquisition as a contractual agreement between telecom providers and subscribers, requiring maturity to handle responsibilities.
Efforts to strengthen national security have driven NCC’s recent policy shifts. In 2021, the commission proposed the “Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations,” which is now in force, making SIM ownership for minors dependent on parental consent.
Drop in Active Mobile Subscribers
Nigeria’s mobile subscriber count saw a substantial decline, from 219 million in March to 153 million by September. The reduction largely resulted from deactivation of SIM cards not linked to verified National Identification Numbers (NIN). Additionally, one mobile operator’s misreporting of around 40 million inactive subscribers led to inflated figures, violating NCC’s guidelines for active subscribers and affecting industry statistics.
The NCC has not yet released an official statement, as attempts to reach the spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.