The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has clarified its position on a media report insinuatingthat the Commission is developing a regulation to disqualify Nigerians below 18 years of age from getting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
In a signed statement made available to Channel Network Afrique by the Director Public Affairs of the Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde stated that the said report is not only misleading and inaccurate but a misinformation of the proceedings of the Public Inquiry on the Reviewed/Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations that took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2021.
He clarified that the proposal is to protect minors and that Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards in which case they assume whatever responsibilities or liabilities that arise from the usage of such SIMs, a measure expected to also strengthen national security.
He further said, the Commission considers it necessary to set the record straight for the purpose of serving existing and potential telecom subscribers , investors and other stakeholders in the industry accurate information for making informed decisions.
In accordance with sections 70 and 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and the Commission’s consultative engagement process, which define its rule-making process, the public inquiry was held for all relevant stakeholders to provide input on the draft regulatory instrument.
Adinde noted that the age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision that makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria.
The Commission also noted that SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of matured mind and rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract.
According to the statement, while the Commission is progressively pursuing digital inclusion for all, the draft proposal is intended to guarantee increased monitoring of children and shield the minors from undue liabilities in line with NCC’s Child Online Protection drive.
Adinde however assured that the consultative engagement process is still ongoing and that the Commission is reviewing all input from relevant stakeholders and will consider and deliberate on all comments before issuing a final regulatory instrument.
The commission further appeal to media stakeholders to always fact-check their stories pertaining to telecoms regulatory issues and seek necessary clarifications for informed and accurate reporting as the Commission runs an open-house system.
