The House of Representatives has vowed to take decisive action against telecommunications companies that fail to appear before its committee investigating persistent poor network services. The committee, led by Olumide Osoba, has given MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications, and other licensed operators until November 4, 2026, to provide explanations for their services. The move comes amid mounting complaints of dropped calls, slow internet connectivity, and poor network coverage.
The committee rejected an attempt by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, to represent the companies, insisting that each operator must personally account for its services. This decision was made after the operators were invited on October 21 to address the issues. Sunday Umeha, who moved the motion, emphasized that the companies were individually licensed by the Federal Government and could not rely on their membership of an industry association to evade legislative scrutiny.
The House of Representatives cited Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as the basis for its investigative powers. Umeha revealed that the committee had previously considered summoning the executives for arrest but decided to give them another opportunity to appear. Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson, stressed that telecommunications operators must be held individually accountable for service failures, citing the potential security implications of poor network coverage in rural communities.
Rotimi alleged that two traditional rulers in his constituency in Ekiti State were killed in an ambush along a road where mobile network signals were unavailable for about 20 minutes, leaving residents and travellers potentially unable to seek emergency assistance. The committee also questioned Adebayo over a reported ₦8.46 billion fine imposed on Globacom, asking whether he could adequately address regulatory and operational issues concerning an individual company while representing the industry association.
The investigation comes amid persistent complaints about telecommunications services despite regulatory interventions. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reportedly disclosed on October 20 that operators had compensated 75 million subscribers for poor service in 2026, while nearly three million subscribers received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions. The commission also reported more than 6,500 network interventions during the year.
Data for the first half of 2026 showed that the four major operators recorded 413,587 consumer complaints, with Airtel accounting for 228,992, MTN 124,405, Globacom 56,810, and T2mobile 3,885. Although 406,938 complaints were reportedly resolved, the committee is seeking explanations from the operators on persistent service failures, infrastructure investments, regulatory compliance, and plans to improve network coverage nationwide.
The committee adjourned its sitting until November 4, 2026, when the affected operators are expected to appear. If the CEOs fail to appear, the committee may issue warrants of arrest. The House of Representatives is determined to hold telecom operators accountable for their services, and the outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by Nigerians who are eager for improved telecommunications services.
Key points
- Telecom operators in Nigeria are facing pressure to improve their services
- The House of Representatives has given operators until November 4, 2026, to appear before its committee
- Poor network coverage has serious security implications, particularly in rural communities
