Reps give telecom firms seven-day ultimatum to explain poor network services

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the persistent poor quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria has given Chief Executive Officers of major telecom operators seven days to appear before it and explain the deteriorating quality of network services across the country.

The committee issued the ultimatum at a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday, directing the CEOs of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications Limited, and other telecommunications service providers to appear before it on October 28, 2026.

The resolution followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Rep. Sunday Umeha and Rep. Afam Ogene, after the committee expressed displeasure over the failure of the invited telecom operators, including MTN and Mafab Communications, to honour previous invitations and appear before the lawmakers.

The committee directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected operators comply with the invitation and appear before it.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Olumide Osoba, also directed the operators to submit all relevant documents on or before the scheduled date and account for the persistent decline in service quality, which has continued to affect millions of subscribers and businesses nationwide.

He warned that any chief executive who failed to honour the invitation would face a possible arrest summons to compel their appearance before the committee.

Hon. Osoba noted that telecommunications services have become indispensable to Nigeria’s economy, extending beyond voice calls and internet access to critical 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 persistent decline in service quality a matter of serious national concern.

According to him, the House leadership constituted the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate recurring complaints by subscribers and determine the factors responsible for the poor quality of services provided by operators.

The chairman, however, expressed concern that the invited chief executives have continued to evade direct engagement with the committee by offering various excuses or sending lower-ranking officials to represent them.

He said the practice undermines the purpose of the parliamentary investigation, emphasising that the committee expects the chief executives—who are in a position to explain their companies’ operational challenges and commitments—to appear in person.

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Also speaking, Rep. Ibe Osonwa expressed displeasure over what he described as the operators’ disregard for the House, despite the substantial revenue they generate from their operations in Nigeria.

Hon. Osonwa said it is unacceptable for companies benefiting from the Nigerian market to ignore invitations from the legislature, particularly when the purpose is to obtain explanations on issues directly affecting their customers and the wider economy.

He stressed that telecommunications operators have a responsibility to account for the quality of services delivered to Nigerians, adding that the House would not overlook any attempt to frustrate its investigation.

In his ruling, Hon. Osoba urged NCC management to ensure full compliance with the committee’s resolution, reiterating that the affected telecommunications operators must appear before the lawmakers on October 28, 2026, and provide the necessary explanations and documents.