The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, has barred Nigerians below the age of 18 years from getting a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in the country.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that this policy is aimed to “protect minors” from the liabilities that arise from the usage of such SIMs.
Quoting sources at the Commission, PREMIUM TIMES stated that, however, that parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards. As a result, assume any responsibilities or liabilities that may arise from the use of such SIMs.
It stated that the overall intent, according to sources, is to protect minors and strengthen national security.
Recall that NCC has been tweaking its telecommunications policies to combat security threats in Nigeria for some years.
The new policy, however, is in line with provisions of the Nigerian Constitution which states that 18 years is the age of consent in Nigeria.
According to NCC, SIM card acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers. And as a result, it requires the subscriber to have proper legal status. Be of mature mind and be rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract.
“Recall that in 2021, the NCC proposed a Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations where it suggested banning minors in Nigeria from acquiring a SIM card. That regulation is now in effect,” Premium times quoted an officials.
One of the NCC officials said the policy will place a significant responsibility on parents to monitor their children and wards.
PREMIUM TIMES, however, stated that efforts to reach the NCC spokesperson were unsuccessful as at press time.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that data shows that Nigeria’s mobile subscriptions have dropped. This is from 219 million in March to 153 million in September.
“Officials said the decline was attributed to the removal of SIMs not linked to a verified National Identification Number (NIN).
“Another reason was that there was a discrepancy in data submitted by a Mobile Network Operator.
“One source said the NCC found that “one Mobile Network Operator incorrectly reported around 40 million subscribers as active. This is in spite of the absence of any revenue-generating activity over a 90-day period.”
“This was in direct violation of the Commission’s guidelines for determining active subscribers. And this led to an inflated report of the operator’s subscriber base, thereby skewing industry statistics,” the report said.
source: PUNCH
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