House of Reps Threatens MTN, Airtel CEOs with Arrest

The House of Representatives has issued a warning to the chief executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and other telecommunications companies, threatening to issue arrest warrants if they do not appear before its ad hoc committee on November 4, 2026. The committee is investigating ongoing issues with poor network services, including dropped calls, slow internet, and inadequate coverage.

The committee, led by Olumide Osoba (All Progressives Congress; Ogun State), rejected a proposal from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) for its chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, to represent the companies. Lawmakers insisted that the CEOs and senior management must personally account for their companies' performance.

Sunday Umeha, a committee member, emphasized that the companies hold individual licenses and cannot delegate their responsibility to an industry association. He criticized ALTON's letter questioning the committee's authority, stating that the operators must view their appearance as a legal obligation.