House of Reps Threatens Telecom CEOs with Arrest Over Service Issues

The House of Representatives has issued a warning to the chief executives of major telecommunications companies, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom, regarding their failure to attend legislative invitations and ongoing complaints about poor network quality. The lawmakers have directed these executives to appear before an ad hoc committee on October 28 at the National Assembly Complex.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been instructed to ensure compliance and to submit relevant documents. The threat of arrest was prompted by the absence of telecom executives from previous invitations aimed at investigating service quality in the sector.

Sunday Umeha, representing Enugu State, and Afam Ogene from Anambra State, moved the motion for accountability from the operators. Committee chairman Olumide Osoba expressed concerns over declining service quality, emphasizing its impact on businesses and essential services.

He criticized the operators for sending junior representatives instead of their CEOs to previous meetings. Ibe Osonwa from Abia State also condemned the companies for their lack of response.