House of Reps Threatens Arrest of Telecom CEOs Over Services

The House of Representatives has warned that it may issue arrest warrants against the chief executives of telecommunications companies, including Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, if they do not appear before its committee by November 4, 2026. The ad hoc committee, chaired by Olumide Osoba, is investigating persistent poor network services affecting millions of subscribers across Nigeria.

The committee rejected a request from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, represented by chairman Gbenga Adebayo, to allow him to represent the companies. Lawmaker Sunday Umeha argued that each company holds an individual license and must account for its performance.

He emphasized that attending the hearing is a statutory obligation. The committee has received complaints about dropped calls, slow internet connections, and poor network coverage.

A representative from the Nigerian Communications Commission confirmed that invitations were sent directly to the CEOs. Lawmakers previously considered arresting the executives but decided to give them another chance to appear.