Nigerians fume over poor network as representatives summon CEOs of MTN, Airtel and Glo

Daud Olatunji

Nigerians struggling with persistent network failures, dropped calls, slow internet connections and disrupted business transactions may get answers as the House of Representatives has summoned the CEOs of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications over the deteriorating quality of telecoms services across the country.

Lawmakers have given telecom operators seven days to appear before an ad hoc commission investigating the outages, warning that any CEO who does not honor the invitation could be subjected to an arrest summons to force them to appear.

The citation follows growing complaints from subscribers over what they describe as unsatisfactory services despite the importance of telecommunications in daily lives, business operations and the digital economy.

For millions of Nigerians, unreliable networks mean more than just the inconvenience of failed phone calls. Poor connectivity can disrupt online transactions, delay business communications, frustrate students attending virtual classes, and prevent customers from completing electronic payments.

Point-of-sale operators, who rely heavily on telecommunications networks to process transactions, are also vulnerable to network outages that can leave customers stranded and businesses struggling to serve them.

The House issued the directive at a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday after several telecom operators invited to the inquiry failed to show up.

The committee subsequently directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure that interested companies comply with the invitation and appear at 2pm on October 28 at Audience Hall 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The companies were also instructed to submit relevant documents before the hearing and explain the factors responsible for the decline in service quality, as well as the measures taken to address subscribers’ concerns.

The resolution followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Sunday Umeha, representing Enugu State, and Afam Ogene, representing Anambra State.

… Subscribers bear the brunt

The survey comes amid widespread frustration over unreliable telecoms services, with subscribers increasingly concerned about the gap between the services they pay for and the quality of connectivity they receive.

For many customers, the frustration is compounded by their reliance on mobile networks for work, education, banking, business transactions and access to essential information.

Poor network quality can leave callers struggling to complete conversations, while unstable internet connections can drop video calls, prevent downloads and interrupt online activities.

For merchants and small business owners, network failures can result in lost sales, late payments and dissatisfied customers.

The situation also raises questions about consumer protection and the responsibility of telecom operators to provide reliable services to subscribers who spend money on airtime, data and other network-related services.

However, the specific causes of the reported deterioration, including the extent to which infrastructure constraints and other operational challenges may be responsible, are expected to be addressed by the companies during lawmakers’ investigation.

Representatives blame the absence of telecommunications bosses

The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Olumide Osoba, said telecommunication services have become indispensable to Nigeria’s economy, stressing that their importance goes beyond calls and internet access.

According to him, businesses, financial transactions and store operations are significantly dependent on reliable telecommunications networks.

Osoba said the committee was formed in response to recurring complaints from subscribers over poor service delivery.

He expressed concern that some of the invited companies had not engaged directly with the committee, claiming they had sent junior officials in place of their CEOs or offered excuses for their absence.

The commission chair insisted that CEOs had to appear in person to explain the operational challenges facing their companies and outline measures taken to improve service delivery.

The lawmakers’ position signals growing concern about the liability of major telecom operators in a country where millions of citizens depend on mobile networks for economic and social activities.

Lawmakers warn against contempt of the National Assembly

Another member of the committee, Ibe Osonwa, representing Abia State, criticized the operators for not honoring the invitation.

Osonwa said it was unacceptable for companies generating substantial revenue from the Nigerian market to ignore a call from lawmakers, particularly when the investigation concerns services affecting millions of customers.

He argued that telecoms companies must be held accountable for the quality of services they provide and warned against attempts to frustrate investigations.

The committee subsequently instructed the NCC to ensure that all affected operators appear before the lawmakers on the scheduled date.

The regulator should facilitate the fulfillment of the invitation, while the companies will provide the requested documents and explanations on the status of their networks.

NCC under pressure to protect consumers

The development also places the Nigerian Communications Commission under scrutiny over its responsibility to monitor telecom operators and ensure compliance with applicable quality of service requirements.

As an industry regulator, the NCC has a central role in supervising operators and addressing concerns relating to service delivery and consumer protection.

The lawmakers’ directive raises the question of what steps they should follow if the investigation finds persistent deficiencies in service quality or inadequate responses to subscriber complaints.

For consumers, the crucial question is whether the hearing will produce measurable improvements rather than another set of promises.

The event on 28 October is expected to give operators the opportunity to explain the challenges affecting their networks, respond to regulators’ concerns and outline measures to improve service delivery.

Until then, subscribers will continue to depend on telecom services for essential activities, with unreliable connectivity leading to financial, educational and social consequences.

PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the committee expects the CEOs of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications to personally appear and provide the requested explanations and documents.

The outcome of the investigation could prove significant for millions of Nigerians who want more reliable networks, better customer experience and greater accountability from telcos operating in the country.

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