ABUJA : The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating persistent poor telecommunications services in Nigeria has given MTN, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other affected operators seven days to appear before it and explain the worsening quality of their networks

The committee directed the chief executive officers of the telecommunications companies to appear on October 28, 2026, following complaints over persistent network disruptions and their failure to honour previous invitations.

The ultimatum was issued during a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, after lawmakers adopted two motions sponsored by members Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.

The lawmakers expressed displeasure over the failure of some invited operators, including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, to appear before the committee as previously requested.

Consequently, the committee directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected telecommunications operators comply with the invitation.

The companies are expected to appear at 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

They were also instructed to submit relevant documents on or before the scheduled date and provide explanations on the factors responsible for the persistent decline in service quality affecting subscribers and businesses nationwide.

The committee warned that chief executives who fail to honour the invitation could face possible arrest summons to compel their appearance.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olumide Osoba, representing Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said reliable telecommunications services had become essential to Nigeria’s economy.

He noted that telecommunications networks now support activities beyond voice calls and internet access, including commercial transactions, banking services and Point of Sale (POS) operations.

According to him, disruptions to telecommunications services affect businesses, financial transactions and other critical activities, making the recurring complaints a serious national concern.

Osoba explained that the House established the ad hoc committee to investigate subscribers’ complaints and determine the underlying causes of poor service delivery by telecommunications operators.

He, however, criticised the invited chief executives for allegedly avoiding direct engagement with the lawmakers by offering excuses or sending lower-ranking officials to represent them.

The chairman insisted that the chief executives must appear personally, arguing that they were better positioned to explain their companies’ operational challenges and commitments towards improving network performance.

Also speaking at the hearing, Rep. Ibe Osonwa criticised the telecommunications companies for what he described as disregard for the House, despite the significant revenue they generate from their Nigerian operations.

Osonwa maintained that operators benefiting from the Nigerian market should be prepared to account for the quality of services delivered to their customers, particularly when their operations affect millions of subscribers and businesses.

He warned that the committee would not overlook attempts to frustrate its investigation.

In his ruling, Osoba urged the NCC to ensure full compliance with the directive, stressing that the operators must appear with the requested documents and explanations on the state of their networks.

The investigation comes amid persistent complaints by Nigerians over dropped calls, slow internet connections, unstable network coverage and difficulties completing electronic transactions.

For businesses that depend on digital payments and online communication, unreliable telecommunications services can disrupt daily operations, delay transactions and affect customer relations.

The committee’s investigation is expected to examine the factors contributing to the service challenges and the measures operators are taking to improve network quality.

The October 28 appearance will provide an opportunity for the affected companies to present their explanations before the lawmakers as the National Assembly intensifies scrutiny of telecommunications services in the country.

RapidoSpace News will continue to monitor the investigation and developments concerning the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.