The House of Representatives has given chief executives of major telecommunications companies seven days to explain persistent network failures, warning that those who ignore the summons could face arrest.Â
The House ad hoc committee investigating poor telecommunications services directed the executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other operators to appear before it on the 28th of October 2026.
The ultimatum was issued at a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday after lawmakers adopted two motions sponsored by Reps. Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.
The committee expressed displeasure over the failure of invited operators, including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, to honour previous invitations.
It directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure that the affected companies appear at 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The operators must also submit relevant documents before the hearing and explain the factors responsible for the persistent decline in network quality affecting subscribers and businesses nationwide.
The lawmakers warned that chief executives who failed to appear could face arrest summons to compel their attendance.
Committee chairman Olumide Osoba, who represents Ogun State under the All-Progressives Congress, said reliable telecommunications services were essential to Nigeria’s economy, particularly as businesses and financial transactions increasingly depended on mobile networks.
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He noted that telecommunications services extended beyond voice calls and internet access to critical activities such as Point-of-Sale transactions.
Osoba said the House established the committee to investigate persistent complaints from subscribers and identify the causes of poor service delivery by operators.
He expressed concern that some company executives had failed to engage directly with lawmakers, instead offering excuses or sending lower-ranking officials to represent them.
The chairman insisted that the chief executives must appear personally, saying they were better placed to explain their companies’ operational challenges and plans to improve service quality.
Also speaking, Rep. Ibe Osonwa criticised the operators for what he described as disregard for the House, despite the revenue they generated from the Nigerian market.
Osonwa said companies benefiting from Nigeria’s telecommunications market had a responsibility to account for the quality of services they provided, particularly when the shortcomings affected millions of customers and businesses.
He warned that the House would not overlook attempts to frustrate its investigation.
In his ruling, Osoba urged the NCC to ensure that all affected operators complied with the directive, appeared with the required documents and explained how they intended to address the persistent network problems.
 Vanguard
