House of Reps Orders Telecom CEOs to Account for Network Failures

Nigeria's House of Representatives has issued a formal directive requiring chief executives of the country's major telecommunications companies to appear before an investigative committee by October 28 and justify the ongoing deterioration of network services. The ultimatum, delivered by an Ad Hoc Committee chaired by Olumide Osoba, applies to operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and Mafab Communications.

Those who do not comply face the possibility of arrest summons. The committee took this step after some telecom leaders did not attend previous invitations.

The investigation stems from widespread complaints by Nigerian subscribers and businesses about declining service quality and network reliability. Lawmakers argue that dependable telecommunications infrastructure is crucial to Nigeria's economic functioning, affecting everything from commercial operations to financial transactions.

The October 28 hearing date gives telecom operators exactly seven days from the committee's announcement to prepare their responses. The companies have also been directed to submit relevant documentation to support their explanations.

The committee's approach signals legislative frustration with the pattern of no-shows and reflects growing public pressure on operators to address service disruptions affecting millions of Nigerians. This development represents an escalation in parliamentary oversight of the telecom sector.

The threat of arrest marks a significant enforcement mechanism, moving beyond previous advisory communications. The committee's actions reflect broader concerns among lawmakers about accountability in an industry that touches nearly every aspect of Nigerian economic and social life.