The Nigerian Communications Commission says that it is not disqualifying Nigerians from getting the Subscriber Identity Module, adding that the age limit is in line with the constitutional provision.
NCC argued that the age limit proposed in its draft regulation was based on the constitution, which makes 18 years the age of consent in the country.
It added that acquiring a SIM required the subscriber to be of legal status involving a contract between service providers and subscribers.
It added that the age limit proposal in the draft regulation was designed to protect minors, stating that the parents and guardians of those below the age of 18 could acquire SIMs on their behalf.
The NCC said a consultative engagement process was still ongoing, adding that it would consider and deliberate on all comments before issuing a final regulatory instrument.
