The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), has cleared the air on banning Under-18s from getting new Subscriber Identity Module, (SIM) cards.
The NCC spokesman, Ikechukwu Adinde, in an issued statement yesterday, said the age of 18 years for SIM acquisition present in the draft regulation is based on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria.
According to the Commission, “We would like to draw the attention of the public to a publication in a section of the media, purporting that the Commission is developing a regulation to disqualify Nigerians below 18 years of age from getting Subscriber Identity Module, (SIM) cards.
“The proposition is to protect minors. Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and ward.
He added that SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of the matured mind and be rational enough to bear specific responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract.
“It is a measure also expected to strengthen national security.
“NCC considers it necessary to set the record straight to serve existing and potential telecom subscribers, investors and other stakeholders in the industry accurate information for making informed decisions”, it stated.
