BREAKING: Reps Threaten Arrest as MTN, Airtel, Glo CEOs Face Probe Over Poor Network Quality
The House of Representatives has given telecom operators seven days to explain persistent network failures, warning that chief executives who fail to honour the invitation could face arrest summons.
The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of major telecommunications companies in Nigeria over persistent poor network quality, giving them until October 28, 2026, to appear before its investigative committee.
The affected operators include MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications Limited and other telecommunications service providers.
The ultimatum was issued on Wednesday, October 21, during a public hearing in Abuja by the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the quality of telecommunications services across the country.
The decision followed concerns over the failure of some invited operators, including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, to honour previous invitations.
Reps Demand Answers Over Declining Network Quality
The committee's resolution followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by lawmakers Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.
The lawmakers directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected telecommunications operators comply with the invitation and appear before the committee at 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The operators were also ordered to submit relevant documents ahead of the scheduled hearing and provide explanations for the persistent deterioration in service quality affecting millions of subscribers and businesses nationwide.
The committee warned that any chief executive who fails to appear could face an arrest summons to compel their attendance.
Lawmakers Fault Telecom Executives
Speaking at the hearing, the committee chairman, Olumide Osoba, expressed concern over the recurring complaints from subscribers and the failure of some telecommunications executives to engage directly with lawmakers.
He reportedly criticised the practice of sending lower-ranking officials to represent the companies, insisting that the chief executives should appear personally to explain their organisations' operational challenges and commitments to improving service delivery.
According to the chairman, telecommunications services have become indispensable to Nigeria's economy, supporting not only voice calls and internet access but also essential commercial activities, including Point of Sale (POS) transactions.
He stressed that businesses, financial transactions and other essential services depend heavily on reliable telecommunications networks, making the continued decline in service quality a matter of serious national concern.
Also speaking, lawmaker Ibe Osonwa criticised the operators for what he described as disregard for the National Assembly, despite the significant revenue they generate from their operations in Nigeria.
He maintained that telecommunications companies have a responsibility to account for the quality of services delivered to their customers and warned against any attempt to frustrate the investigation.
Poor Network Disrupts Businesses, Digital Transactions
Across Nigeria, unreliable telecommunications services remain a major concern for subscribers who depend on mobile networks for communication, internet access, banking, online businesses and other daily activities.
Dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable connections and failed digital transactions can inconvenience individuals while creating financial losses and operational difficulties for businesses.
Small and medium-sized enterprises, digital entrepreneurs and merchants relying on internet connectivity and POS terminals are particularly vulnerable to network disruptions.
The investigation is expected to provide lawmakers with an opportunity to examine the factors responsible for poor service delivery, question operators about their network infrastructure and assess the measures being taken to improve connectivity.
NCC Directed to Ensure Compliance
The committee has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure that all affected operators comply with the summons and submit the requested documents before the hearing.
The October 28 session is expected to focus on the persistent complaints from subscribers, the challenges confronting telecommunications providers and the steps required to improve service quality nationwide.
With the threat of possible arrest summons hanging over executives who fail to appear, attention is now focused on whether the telecommunications companies will comply with the directive and provide satisfactory explanations to the lawmakers.
The outcome of the investigation could shape further legislative and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting subscribers and improving the reliability of telecommunications services across Nigeria.
As millions of Nigerians continue to depend on mobile networks for communication and economic activities, the central question remains whether the investigation will produce lasting improvements in network quality and customer experience.
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