Nigeria’s major telecommunications operators face possible arrest warrants if their chief executives fail to appear before the House of Representatives to answer questions about persistent network failures affecting subscribers nationwide.
The House ad hoc committee investigating poor telecommunications services has set November 4, 2026, as the deadline for the executives to attend its hearing in person. The warning follows a disagreement over an attempt by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to represent the companies collectively.
Lawmakers rejected the arrangement, insisting that each operator must personally account for its network performance and obligations to customers.
Lawmakers Reject Industry Association’s Representation
The committee, chaired by Olumide Osoba, said the chief executives and other senior management officials of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other licensed operators must appear before it.
The dispute arose after ALTON reportedly sought to represent the companies through its chairman, Gbenga Adebayo. Lawmakers opposed the move, arguing that membership of an industry association does not remove an operator’s responsibility to respond to questions about its individual services.
During the sitting, lawmaker Sunday Umeha said telecommunications companies hold separate licences issued by the Federal Government and should therefore answer for their own performance.
He also criticised a letter reportedly sent by ALTON questioning the committee’s authority to compel the operators to attend.
Citing Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Umeha argued that the National Assembly has investigative powers over matters within its legislative responsibilities, including the implementation of government policies.
He said the committee could require the companies to appear individually unless it expressly approved another arrangement.
A representative of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) told lawmakers that invitations had been sent directly to the chief executives. According to Umeha, the committee had considered seeking arrest warrants at an earlier sitting but chose to give the executives another opportunity to comply.
The committee subsequently adopted his motion and adjourned proceedings until November 4.
Poor Connectivity Raises Security Concerns
The investigation centres on recurring complaints from subscribers, including dropped calls, slow internet speeds, failed airtime and data purchases, and inadequate network coverage in some communities.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said the consequences extend beyond inconvenience, particularly in places where residents and travellers cannot rely on mobile signals to contact emergency responders or security agencies.
Rotimi highlighted coverage gaps in parts of his constituency in Ekiti State. He alleged that two traditional rulers had been killed in an ambush along a road where mobile signals were unavailable for about 20 minutes.
The allegation was raised to illustrate the potential security risks associated with areas lacking reliable connectivity.
Rotimi also criticised operators for allegedly concentrating infrastructure investment in commercially attractive locations while leaving some rural communities and roads underserved.
These concerns have drawn attention to whether telecommunications companies are doing enough to extend dependable services to areas where network infrastructure may generate less revenue.
NCC Compensation Has Not Ended Subscriber Complaints
The House investigation comes despite compensation and service-improvement measures introduced by the NCC.
On October 20, the regulator reported that 75 million subscribers had received compensation for poor network service in 2026. Nearly three million customers had also received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions.
The commission further reported more than 6,500 interventions to address network-related problems during the year. These included equipment upgrades and capacity additions in areas experiencing increased demand.
However, subscribers continue to report unreliable connections, billing disputes, rapid data depletion, and failed transactions.
Figures attributed to the NCC show that telecommunications operators recorded more than 413,000 consumer complaints in the first half of 2026. The reported breakdown was:
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Airtel Nigeria: 228,992 complaints
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MTN Nigeria: 124,405 complaints
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Globacom: 56,810 complaints
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T2mobile: 3,885 complaints
According to some sources, 406,938 complaints had been resolved.
During the hearing, lawmakers also questioned Adebayo about a reported ₦8.46 billion fine imposed on Globacom, raising concerns about whether an industry association could adequately address regulatory matters involving an individual operator.
Businesses and Consumers Bear the Cost
Poor telecommunications services affect individuals, businesses and communities that depend on mobile connectivity for daily activities.
Unstable internet access can interrupt electronic payments, online orders and business communications. Subscribers may also struggle to use purchased data or complete transactions when connections fail.
In areas with limited coverage, the consequences can be more severe. Residents may have difficulty reporting crimes, requesting emergency assistance or contacting family members during dangerous situations.
The continued complaints, despite the NCC’s reported compensation and intervention figures, have intensified questions about the effectiveness of existing measures and the pace of infrastructure improvements.
What Happens Next?
The November 4 hearing will allow lawmakers to question operators directly about the causes of persistent service failures, their compliance with regulatory requirements, and their plans to improve network quality.
The committee is also seeking explanations about infrastructure investment and the expansion of coverage to underserved communities.
The threat of arrest warrants is intended to compel the executives to attend and answer the committee’s questions. The supplied reports do not establish that warrants have already been issued.
For Nigerian subscribers, the central issue is whether the investigation will lead to sustained improvements in call quality, internet reliability, transaction success rates, and coverage in areas that remain poorly served.
Source: Innovation Village