The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new policy prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from owning SIM cards, a move aimed at protecting minors from potential legal complications associated with SIM usage.
While children will still have access to mobile phones, all SIM cards must be registered in the name of a parent or guardian, thereby holding adults accountable for any issues that may arise. This regulation has been in development since 2021 as part of the NCC’s ongoing efforts to enhance telecom security and streamline operations within the industry, making it a predictable step for those following NCC’s regulatory changes.
The age restriction aligns with Nigerian law, which establishes 18 as the age of consent. According to the NCC, operating a SIM card is akin to entering into a contractual agreement, and thus, only adults should assume that responsibility.
In addition to the age restrictions, the NCC is focused on improving the accuracy of subscriber data. Nigeria has seen a significant decrease in its mobile user base, plummeting from 219 million subscribers in March 2024 to 153.32 million by September. This drop is attributed to the enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage to SIM cards, as well as instances of data inaccuracies, including one network incorrectly reporting an excess of 40 million active users.
Overall, the introduction of age restrictions reflects a broader trend in Nigeria, with increased accountability and oversight extending beyond telecommunications to areas such as university admissions. This shift raises important questions about the evolving landscape of youth access to services in Nigeria, balancing security needs with accessibility.
