The National Assembly has threatened to issue arrest warrants for chief executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications if they fail to appear before its Ad-Hoc Committee on November 4, 2026, over worsening telecommunications services in the country.
The Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the persistent poor quality of telecom services, chaired by Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), issued the ultimatum following mounting complaints by Nigerians over dropped calls, slow internet, failed airtime and data transactions and poor network coverage.
At its sitting, the committee rejected an attempt by the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, to represent the operators.
The lawmakers insisted that each company holds a separate federal licence and must account individually for its operations, service delivery and regulatory compliance, stressing that an industry association cannot answer for the executives.
The committee said the investigation has become imperative as telecom services have become critical to banking, business, education and daily communication, yet subscribers continue to suffer unexpected call drops, poor voice clarity, slow browsing and outright network blackouts in many communities.
Citing Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the committee said the National Assembly is empowered to conduct investigations within its legislative competence and warned that it will not hesitate to invoke its powers against any chief executive who snubs the summons.
The telco bosses are expected to appear before the panel on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to explain factors responsible for poor service quality, their infrastructure gaps, network performance and concrete steps being taken to address consumers' plight.
For millions of subscribers banking on the probe to deliver real improvements, the House says this will not be another round of assurances from operators.
