REPS THREATEN ARREST WARRANTS AGAINST TELECOM CEOS OVER POOR NETWORK SERVICES

By NaijaParrot | October 29, 2026 

Abuja, Nigeria 

 The House of Representatives has threatened to issue arrest warrants against chief executives of telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria over their failure to personally appear before lawmakers to explain persistent poor network services affecting subscribers across the country.

The warning was issued by the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the quality of telecommunications services after lawmakers rejected an attempt by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to represent the affected companies through its chairman, Gbenga Adebayo. 

 The committee, chaired by Olumide Osoba, insisted that the chief executives and senior management officials must appear in person to account for their companies’ service delivery and address growing complaints from subscribers. 

 Among the operators invited to the hearing are MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications, alongside other licensed telecommunications companies. The committee had earlier summoned the operators to explain recurring network challenges, including dropped calls, slow internet connections, failed airtime and data transactions, and inadequate network coverage in several communities. 

 However, the companies reportedly sought representation through ALTON, a move that lawmakers rejected, arguing that each telecommunications operator must independently account for its performance and obligations to Nigerian subscribers. During deliberations, lawmaker Sunday Umeha argued that the companies operate under individual licences issued by the Federal Government and should not use their membership of an industry association as a reason to avoid appearing before the committee. 

 He also questioned a letter reportedly submitted by ALTON challenging the committee’s authority to compel the operators to attend the hearing. Citing Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Umeha maintained that the National Assembly has investigative powers over matters within its legislative responsibilities. 

 A representative of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) informed the committee that invitations had been communicated directly to the affected companies’ chief executives. House spokesman Akin Rotimi also criticised the attempt to allow an industry association to represent the companies, arguing that subscribers deal directly with individual service providers and deserve answers from the companies responsible for their network services. 

Rotimi further raised concerns about poor network coverage in parts of his constituency in Ekiti State, warning that areas without mobile signals could create serious security challenges for residents and travellers who need to contact emergency services. 

 The lawmakers also expressed concerns about the concentration of telecommunications infrastructure in commercially attractive locations while some rural communities continue to experience inadequate coverage. 

 Following deliberations, the committee adopted a motion directing the affected operators to appear before it on November 4, 2026, warning that chief executives who fail to honour the invitation could face arrest warrants. 

 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦

 The investigation comes amid persistent complaints from Nigerians over unreliable network connections, slow internet speeds, unsuccessful transactions and service disruptions that affect businesses, communication and everyday activities. 

 The forthcoming hearing is expected to give lawmakers an opportunity to question telecommunications executives about the causes of these problems, their infrastructure investments and the measures being taken to improve service quality. 

 For millions of subscribers who depend on mobile networks for communication, business transactions, education and access to digital services, the outcome of the investigation could provide further insight into the challenges affecting the sector and the steps required to improve service delivery. 

NaijaParrot News 🦜 

 Your News, Your Voice! | Hear It First, Hear It True!