Poor Network: Reps Give MTN, Airtel, Glo Seven Days to Explain as Arrest Threat Looms

The House of Representatives has given MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecommunications operators seven days to explain persistent network failures, warning that chief executives who ignore its invitation could face arrest summons.

The ultimatum was issued on Wednesday during a public hearing in Abuja, where the lawmakers directed the companies’ chief executives to appear before an ad hoc committee on October 28, 2026, to answer questions about the quality of services provided to millions of Nigerian subscribers.

The committee’s decision followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Reps. Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene, amid growing concerns over dropped calls, slow internet connections, failed transactions and other disruptions affecting telecommunications users across the country.

The lawmakers expressed displeasure with operators who had failed to honour previous invitations, specifically criticising MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications for their absence from earlier engagements.

Committee chairman, Rep. Olumide Osoba, said telecommunications services were essential to Nigeria’s economy, supporting businesses, financial transactions and everyday communication. He explained that the committee was established to investigate recurring complaints from subscribers and determine the causes of poor service delivery.

Osoba also faulted companies that sent junior officials or offered excuses instead of allowing their chief executives to respond directly to questions about network performance and operational challenges.

Another member of the committee, Rep. Ibe Osonwa, condemned the operators’ failure to honour the invitations, arguing that companies generating revenue from Nigerian consumers must be prepared to account for the services they provide.

The lawmakers directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the operators comply with the summons and submit all relevant documents before the hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

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The confrontation comes despite several interventions by the telecommunications regulator to address service failures and compensate affected customers.

On October 20, the NCC reported that telecommunications operators had compensated 75 million subscribers for poor service in 2026, while nearly three million others received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions. The commission also recorded more than 6,500 network interventions during the year, including equipment upgrades and capacity expansion.

However, complaints have continued. The latest concerns followed a network disruption reported by MTN subscribers on October 8 across parts of Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory. Reports indicated that the disruption lasted more than five hours, leaving some customers unable to make calls, communicate reliably or complete transactions.

Figures released by the NCC showed that the four major operators recorded a combined 413,587 consumer complaints in the first half of 2026. Airtel accounted for 228,992 complaints, followed by MTN with 124,405, Globacom with 56,810 and T2mobile with 3,885. Although the operators reported resolving 406,938 complaints, dissatisfaction over call quality, internet speed, billing and failed transactions has persisted.

In April 2026, the NCC introduced an automatic airtime compensation framework for eligible subscribers affected by operators’ failure to meet prescribed quality-of-service standards.

The latest legislative action signals growing pressure on telecommunications companies to explain why service problems remain a recurring concern despite regulatory interventions, reported compensation payments and network improvement efforts.

The October 28 hearing will provide an opportunity for the operators to respond to the allegations and explain what further measures they intend to take. For subscribers who continue to struggle with unreliable connections, the key question is whether the investigation will produce lasting improvements rather than another round of assurances.