Reps give telecom CEOs November 4 deadline to explain poor services

The House of Representatives has threatened to issue arrest warrants for the chief executives of MTN, Airtel, Globacom and other telecommunications operators after they failed to appear before a committee investigating poor network services in Nigeria.

The lawmakers issued the warning on Wednesday after rejecting an attempt by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, to represent the companies at the hearing.

The House ad hoc committee, chaired by Olumide Osoba, directed the chief executives to appear in person on November 4 and warned that another failure to honour the invitation could trigger arrest warrants.

MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications Limited were among the operators summoned to explain persistent complaints about unreliable network services.

The companies had been expected to appear before the committee on October 28, but Adebayo’s attempt to speak on their behalf was rejected by the lawmakers.

A member of the committee, Sunday Umeha, argued that the operators could not use their membership of an industry association to avoid appearing individually before the legislature.

He also criticised a letter reportedly sent by ALTON questioning the committee’s authority to compel the companies to attend the hearing.

Umeha maintained that Section 88 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the National Assembly to investigate matters within its legislative responsibilities, including issues relating to telecommunications services.

The committee’s position was reinforced by concerns over the impact of poor network coverage on public safety and commercial activities.

House spokesperson Akin Rotimi raised concerns about signal blackouts in parts of Ekiti State, including some communities and major roads where residents and travellers may struggle to contact security agencies during emergencies.

Rotimi alleged that two traditional rulers in his constituency were killed in an ambush along a road where mobile network coverage was unavailable.

He warned that inadequate connectivity could prevent people from seeking emergency assistance when faced with security threats.

The investigation comes amid continuing complaints from subscribers about dropped calls, slow internet connections, failed airtime and data transactions, and unreliable coverage.

On October 20, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that 75 million subscribers had received airtime compensation for poor telecommunications services in 2026.

The compensation initiative was introduced under the regulator’s consumer protection framework, with the expectation that operators would improve service delivery.

The committee is seeking direct explanations from the companies’ leadership on the persistent service problems and the steps being taken to address them.

The chief executives and other senior officials of the affected operators are expected to appear before the committee on November 4.