The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a ban on Nigerians below the age of 18 from registering and owning a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in the country.
NCC limited telecoms subscribers to only include anyone above the age of 18, according to a draft copy of the modified Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website.
According to the telecoms regulating company, the regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon the commission by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act,2003.
It also sets the activation window to a period of 60 days from the day a new SIM was purchased to when a subscriber is required to register with the relevant licensee during which, the new subscriber will be granted limited access to voice calls, message services and other range of services rendered by mobile operators.
It also said the Subscriber Registration Period means the six months period from the effective date are required to register their Subscription Mediums pursuant to these Regulations.”
Foreigners who wish to roam their mobile lines would not be required to register their lines, provided the lines had been registered in their home countries.
The commission further stated that the proposed regulations were made in line with the powers conferred upon the commission by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
