The House of Representatives has summoned the chief executive officers of major telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria to explain persistent poor network services affecting subscribers across the country.

The affected operators include MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications and other telecommunications service providers.

The lawmakers have directed the executives to appear before an ad hoc committee investigating the quality of telecommunications services on October 28, 2026, following growing complaints about unreliable network connections, dropped calls and slow internet speeds.

According to reports published on Wednesday, October 21, the committee issued the directive during a public hearing in Abuja after expressing displeasure over the failure of some invited operators, including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, to honour previous invitations.

The committee also warned that executives who fail to comply could face a summons for arrest to compel their appearance.

Why the Lawmakers Are Demanding Answers

Chairman of the committee, Olumide Osoba, said reliable telecommunications services were essential to Nigeria’s economy, particularly as businesses, financial transactions and everyday activities increasingly depend on stable network connections.

Poor network services can disrupt online banking, Point of Sale (POS) transactions, business operations and communication, creating difficulties for individuals and businesses.

The lawmakers want the telecommunications companies to explain the factors responsible for the persistent decline in service quality and outline the steps they are taking to address the problem.

They also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the affected operators comply with the invitation.

NCC Asked to Ensure Compliance

The committee instructed the operators to submit relevant documents before the scheduled hearing and provide explanations for the network problems reported by subscribers.

The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on October 28 at Hearing Room 447 of the New Building of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The lawmakers expect the chief executives to appear personally rather than send lower-ranking representatives, arguing that the companies’ top executives should be able to account for their organisations’ performance and improvement plans.

The investigation comes amid continuing public concerns about call quality, internet connectivity and the reliability of telecommunications services across Nigeria.

What This Means for Nigerian Subscribers

For millions of Nigerians who depend on mobile networks for work, education, communication and financial transactions, the investigation could provide an opportunity to demand greater accountability from service providers.

However, the outcome will depend on the explanations presented by the operators and any measures subsequently taken by lawmakers and the telecom regulator.

The October 28 hearing is expected to give the companies an opportunity to address the concerns raised by the committee.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments and report any significant decisions arising from the investigation.