The House of Representatives has summoned MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecommunications operators to appear before its committee investigating poor network services across the country.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by the House ad hoc committee chaired by Olumide Osoba.
The companies are expected to appear before lawmakers on October 28 at 2 PM and provide documents explaining the recurring problems affecting their networks.
Why lawmakers are questioning telecom operators
The committee is investigating complaints about dropped calls, unstable internet connections, network interruptions and the overall quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.
These problems affect more than telephone conversations. Nigerians increasingly depend on mobile networks for banking, business transactions, education, transportation and access to government services.
A network failure can interrupt an electronic payment, prevent a business from completing a transaction or leave subscribers unable to access essential online services.
Lawmakers want operators to explain the causes of these problems and the measures being taken to address them.
Telecom companies face October 28 deadline
The committee has directed the invited operators to submit relevant operational documents and attend its next hearing.
Lawmakers also warned that company executives who fail to honour the invitation could face compulsory appearance procedures under the National Assembly’s oversight powers.
However, the summons does not mean that any of the companies has been found guilty of violating telecommunications regulations.
The hearing is intended to examine the complaints, obtain explanations from operators and determine whether further action is necessary.
What this means for Nigerians
The investigation could bring greater public scrutiny to the quality of mobile and internet services provided by Nigeria’s major telecommunications companies.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the industry, already establishes quality-of-service standards for operators.
The House investigation adds parliamentary oversight to those existing regulatory responsibilities.
For subscribers, the important question is whether the hearing will produce measurable improvements in network reliability, clearer accountability for service disruptions and stronger enforcement of existing standards.
The companies’ responses on October 28 will help determine the next stage of the investigation.
