The NCC is the independent regulatory Body in charge of telecom industry in Nigeria.
According to a draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on NCC’s website, all SIM owners must be 18 years and above.
“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’.
The regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon the commission by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In accordance with Section 57 of the Act, the NCC 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 Executive Commissioner Stakeholders’ Management, NCC, Mr Adeleke Adewolu, in his opening remark said; “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.”
During the public inquiry, which was held physically and virtually, key stakeholders, including MTN, sought for an age limit of 14 years and above. However, the Regulatory Body insisted on 18 years and above for anyone who wants to own and register a SIM in Nigeria.
