Harry Archie
The House of Representatives has given major telecommunications operators seven days to explain persistent poor network services across Nigeria, warning that company executives who fail to attend a scheduled hearing could face an arrest summons.
The directive affects MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other operators. Their chief executives have been directed to appear before the relevant committee on October 28, 2026, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The decision was taken during a public hearing on Wednesday, following the adoption of two motions sponsored by lawmakers Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.
Members of the committee expressed displeasure over the failure of some telecommunications companies, including MTN and Mafab Communications, to honour earlier invitations.
The lawmakers said the investigation was intended to establish why subscribers continued to experience poor service despite the importance of telecommunications to the country’s economy.
The committee also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator, to ensure that the operators comply with the summons.
The companies were instructed to submit relevant documents ahead of the hearing, scheduled for 2 p.m. in Hearing Room 447 of the National Assembly’s new building.
Committee chairman Olumide Osoba said dependable telecommunications services were essential for businesses, financial transactions and everyday communication.
He explained that the ad hoc committee had been established to investigate recurring complaints from subscribers and identify the factors responsible for poor service delivery.
Osoba criticised operators for sending junior representatives or offering excuses instead of allowing their chief executives to respond directly to questions about network performance and operational challenges.
Another member of the committee, Ibe Osonwa, condemned the companies’ failure to honour previous invitations, arguing that businesses generating substantial revenue from Nigeria should be accountable for the quality of services they provide.
The lawmakers warned that attempts to frustrate the investigation would not be tolerated.
The possibility of arrest summonses signals that the House intends to secure the attendance of the companies’ top executives rather than rely solely on written explanations or representatives without decision-making authority.
The intervention comes amid continued complaints about dropped calls, unstable internet connections and other service problems that affect individuals, businesses and institutions.
Poor connectivity can disrupt online banking, digital payments, remote work, education and access to information.
Figures reported by the NCC on October 20 indicate that operators had compensated 75 million subscribers for poor service in 2026.
Nearly three million other subscribers had also received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions.
These figures suggest that service-related complaints have had a substantial impact on consumers.
However, compensation alone may not address the underlying causes of poor network performance.
The forthcoming hearing could provide an opportunity for lawmakers to question operators about infrastructure, service reliability, complaint resolution and the measures being taken to improve subscribers’ experience.
The NCC’s role will also be important in ensuring that any commitments made by operators are followed up with regulatory oversight.
The hearing is expected to test how effectively the telecommunications industry responds to public complaints and parliamentary scrutiny.
The central question is whether the process will lead to measurable improvements in network quality and stronger protection for subscribers, rather than another round of assurances without lasting results.
