MTN, Airtel, Glo, Others To Face Reps Over Network Failures

The House of Representatives has given chief executive officers of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications and other telecommunications operators seven days to appear before its ad hoc committee investigating persistent poor network services across the country.

The committee fixed October 28, 2026, for the appearance, warning that any chief executive who fails to honour the invitation could face a summons for arrest to compel compliance.

The directive was issued at a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday following the adoption of two motions sponsored by Reps. Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene, after the committee expressed displeasure over the failure of invited operators, including MTN and Mafab Communications, to honour previous invitations.

The committee directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected operators appear at 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

It also directed the companies to submit relevant documents on or before the scheduled hearing and explain the factors responsible for the persistent decline in network quality.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), said telecommunications services had become indispensable to Nigeria’s economy, extending beyond voice calls and internet access to financial transactions, business operations and other essential activities.

He identified Point of Sale (POS) transactions as one of the commercial activities increasingly dependent on reliable telecommunications networks, noting that persistent service disruptions could affect businesses and the wider economy.

He expressed concern that some invited chief executives had failed to engage directly with the committee, instead offering various excuses or sending lower-ranking officials to represent them.

The chairman maintained that the committee expected the chief executives to appear personally and explain their companies’ operational challenges and the measures being taken to improve service delivery.

Also speaking, Rep. Ibe Osonwa criticised the operators for what he described as disregard for the House, despite the substantial revenue they generate from their operations in Nigeria.

He warned that the House would not overlook attempts to frustrate its investigation into the persistent network failures.

In his ruling, Osoba directed the NCC to ensure that the affected operators complied with the committee’s invitation and appeared on the scheduled date with the required documents.

For small businesses that depend on mobile connectivity and POS terminals, network interruptions can result in failed transactions, lost sales and delays in receiving payments. Individuals also face difficulties completing calls and accessing internet-based services when connectivity deteriorates.

The committee’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances behind the persistent service failures and identify measures needed from operators and regulators to improve network reliability.

The October 28 hearing will provide the affected companies an opportunity to explain the challenges confronting their networks and respond to lawmakers’ concerns over service quality and accountability.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja