The House of Representatives in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to the chief executive officers of major telecommunications companies, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and Mafab Communications Limited. The lawmakers have threatened to issue arrest warrants if the CEOs fail to appear before the House ad hoc committee investigating poor telecommunications services. The committee had directed the executives to appear on October 28, but they failed to attend, prompting the committee to reschedule the hearing for November 4.
The committee chairman, Olumide Osoba, who represents Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress, emphasized that failure to comply with the fresh summons could result in arrest warrants. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, attempted to represent the companies' chief executives, but the lawmakers rejected the arrangement, insisting on their personal appearance. The committee members argued that the telecommunications companies cannot use their membership in an industry association as a reason to avoid appearing before the legislature.
A member of the committee, Sunday Umeha, criticised a letter reportedly written by ALTON questioning the committee's authority to compel the operators 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 the quality of telecommunications services. The committee's investigation comes amid growing concerns about poor network coverage and disruptions affecting subscribers across the country.
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, raised concerns about inadequate network coverage in parts of Ekiti State, warning that signal blackouts in some communities and along major roads could create serious security risks. Rotimi alleged that two traditional rulers in his constituency were killed in an ambush along a road without mobile network coverage. He emphasized that such connectivity gaps could prevent residents and commuters from contacting security agencies or requesting emergency assistance when their lives are in danger.
The Nigerian Communications Commission had earlier announced that 75 million subscribers received airtime compensation for poor telecommunications services in 2026. The regulator said the compensation, provided under its consumer compensation framework, was intended to address service failures and improve the experience of subscribers. The House committee has directed the NCC to ensure that the telecommunications companies' chief executives comply with the summons and appear before it on November 4.
The investigation by the House committee aims to address the persistent issues with poor network services in Nigeria. The committee's efforts are geared towards ensuring that telecommunications companies provide adequate services to their subscribers. The lawmakers are also seeking to hold the companies accountable for their actions and inactions, which have led to widespread complaints about poor network coverage and disruptions.
The telecom companies' failure to appear before the committee has sparked concerns about their commitment to providing quality services to their subscribers. The House of Representatives has reiterated its determination to take decisive action to address the challenges facing the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. The outcome of the committee's investigation and the appearance of the telecom CEOs on November 4 will be crucial in determining the next steps to resolve the issues.
Key points
- The House of Representatives threatens to issue arrest warrants for telecom CEOs over poor network services.
- The telecom companies failed to attend the initial summons, prompting the committee to reschedule the hearing for November 4.
- The Nigerian Communications Commission announced that 75 million subscribers received airtime compensation for poor telecommunications services in 2026.
