Chairman of the committee, Olumide Osoba, representing Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress, said reliable telecommunications services had become indispensable to Nigeria\u2019s economy. He explained that mobile connectivity now supports commercial transactions, banking operations, electronic payments, education and everyday communication. According to Osoba, persistent network disruptions have consequences extending beyond inconvenienced telephone users, particularly for businesses and individuals who depend on stable connectivity to conduct essential activities. He maintained that the committee was established to investigate recurring complaints, identify underlying operational challenges and determine how service quality could be improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Osoba also criticised the practice of telecommunications companies sending lower-ranking representatives or providing excuses for the absence of their chief executives during parliamentary engagements. He argued that senior executives were better positioned to explain infrastructure challenges, investment decisions, operational limitations and commitments to subscribers. The committee therefore insisted on the personal appearance of the executives and directed the operators to submit relevant documents before the scheduled hearing. The requested information is expected to help lawmakers assess the companies\u2019 explanations and determine whether existing measures adequately address the service problems affecting consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Telecommunications infrastructure is central to Nigeria\u2019s mobile voice and internet services.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another committee member, Ibe Osonwa, representing a constituency in Abia State, expressed concern over the operators\u2019 failure to respond adequately to parliamentary invitations despite the substantial commercial benefits they derive from the Nigerian market. He maintained that telecommunications companies must remain accountable for the services delivered to paying subscribers. Osonwa also warned that the House would not tolerate conduct capable of frustrating its investigation. The committee\u2019s position reflects growing legislative concern that repeated network complaints require explanations from the executives responsible for managing the affected companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent figures released by the NCC provide further insight into the scale of consumer dissatisfaction. According to regulatory data, Nigeria\u2019s four major mobile network operators recorded 413,587 consumer complaints during the first half of 2026. Airtel accounted for 228,992 complaints, followed by MTN with 124,405 and Globacom with 56,810, while T2mobile recorded 3,885. The operators reportedly resolved 406,938 complaints, although subscribers continued to report difficulties involving dropped calls, slow internet connections, billing disputes and unsuccessful transactions. The number of complaints alone does not establish which network performs worst, as subscriber populations and complaint-reporting patterns differ between operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The investigation follows earlier efforts by the telecommunications regulator to address service quality and strengthen consumer protection. In April 2026, the NCC introduced an automatic airtime compensation framework for eligible subscribers affected when operators fail to meet prescribed quality-of-service standards. On October 20, the regulator reported that approximately 75 million subscribers had received airtime compensation in 2026, while nearly three million others had obtained refunds for unsuccessful airtime and data transactions. The commission also disclosed more than 6,500 network improvement interventions during the year, including equipment upgrades and capacity expansion. These measures demonstrate regulatory activity, although their long-term effectiveness remains subject to network performance and consumer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest parliamentary intervention also comes amid complaints about disruptions affecting important commercial centres and residential communities. On October 8, MTN subscribers reportedly experienced network problems in parts of Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory, with some interruptions lasting more than five hours. Such incidents can prevent customers from making calls, transferring money, accessing online services or completing business transactions. Telecommunications operators also face technical and operational challenges, including electricity supply constraints, infrastructure damage, equipment maintenance and the cost of expanding network capacity. Nevertheless, identifying the specific causes of recurring failures will require evidence from the companies and regulatory authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nigerian Communications Commission headquarters. The regulator has been directed to ensure compliance with the parliamentary summons.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nigeria\u2019s telecommunications sector has undergone significant transformation since the introduction of digital mobile services in 2001, when the country began moving from limited telephone access toward widespread mobile connectivity. The expansion of mobile networks helped accelerate electronic banking, digital entrepreneurship, online commerce and access to information. However, increasing dependence on telecommunications infrastructure has also intensified the consequences of service interruptions. Industry investment remains necessary to maintain existing facilities, extend coverage and accommodate growing demand for mobile data. Lawmakers must therefore examine both operators\u2019 accountability and the infrastructure conditions affecting their ability to provide reliable services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of October 22, 2026, the October 28 hearing remains the next major development in the investigation, and no final findings have been announced against the invited telecommunications companies. The committee expects the executives to appear with relevant documents and explain why network problems persist despite regulatory interventions and reported investments in infrastructure. The proceedings could influence future oversight measures, consumer protection policies and expectations for service reliability. For millions of Nigerian subscribers, however, the central issue remains whether the investigation will produce measurable improvements in call quality, internet connectivity and the dependability of digital services across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The House of Representatives has summoned the chief executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications Limited and other telecommunications operators over persistent poor network services affecting millions of subscribers across the country. The directive was issued on Wednesday, October 21, by the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the deteriorating quality of telecommunications services. 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