The House of Representatives has given major telecommunications operators in Nigeria seven days to appear before it and explain the persistent poor quality of network services affecting millions of subscribers across the country.
The affected companies, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications, have been directed to appear before the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the deterioration in telecommunications services on October 28, 2026.
The committee issued the ultimatum during a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday, following the failure of some invited operators to honour previous invitations.
The decision followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by lawmakers Sunday Umeha (APC, Enugu) and Afam Ogene (NDC, Anambra).
As part of the resolution, the committee directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected operators comply with the invitation and appear at 2 p.m. at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The committee warned that chief executive officers who fail to honour the invitation could be summoned to appear.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), said reliable telecommunications services had become essential to Nigeria’s economy, supporting not only voice calls and internet access but also business operations, financial transactions and Point-of-Sale (POS) services.
Osoba explained that the committee was established to investigate recurring complaints from subscribers and identify the factors responsible for the poor quality of services delivered by telecommunications operators.
He expressed concern that some company executives had continued to avoid direct engagement with the lawmakers by offering excuses or sending lower-ranking officials to represent them.
According to him, the chief executives must appear personally because they are better positioned to explain their companies’ operational challenges and outline measures being taken to improve service delivery.
Another committee member, Rep. Ibe Osonwa (LP, Abia) criticised the operators for failing to honour the legislative invitations despite the significant revenue they generate from their Nigerian operations.
Osonwa maintained that companies benefiting from the Nigerian market had a responsibility to account for the quality of services provided to their customers, particularly when persistent network failures affect businesses and other essential activities.
He warned that the House would not tolerate attempts to frustrate the investigation.
The committee reiterated its directive to the NCC to ensure that all affected operators appear on the scheduled date with the required documents and explanations as the lawmakers seek lasting solutions to Nigeria’s persistent telecommunications challenges.