Network Meltdown: Reps Threaten Telco CEOs with Arrest Over Poor Service, Issue 7-Day Ultimatum

​ABUJA — Millions of Nigerians frustrated by dropped calls, failing POS transactions, and crawling internet speeds may soon get answers, as the House of Representatives has clamped down on major telecom providers operating in the country.
​The House Ad Hoc Committee investigating telecommunications service quality on Wednesday issued a strict 7-day ultimatum to top executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications, and other network providers to appear in person or face arrest warrants.
​The lawmakers directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure all affected chief executives appear before the panel on October 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
​At a Glance: The Lawmakers’ Mandate
​The Deadline: All telecom CEOs must physically appear on October 28, 2026.
​The Ultimatum: Failure to attend will result in arrest summons to compel appearance.
​The Demand: Telcos must submit technical and operational records explaining the severe decline in service quality prior to the hearing.
​The Impact: Network glitches are currently crippling businesses, digital banking, POS merchants, and everyday communications nationwide.
​’Stop Sending Proxies’ — Committee Rejects Executive Absence
​The decision follows a wave of public outrage and two motions sponsored by Rep. Sunday Umeha and Rep. Afam Ogene regarding worsening network reliability.
​Committee Chairman Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) expressed deep dissatisfaction after several chief executives—including those from MTN and Mafab—shunned previous invitations or sent low-level representatives who lacked the authority to answer critical operational questions.
​”Telecommunications services have become indispensable to Nigeria’s economy,” Osoba stated. “The growing dependence of businesses, financial transactions, and essential services on telecom networks makes these persistent disruptions a matter of serious national concern.”
​Osoba insisted that CEOs must answer directly to the public because “they are better placed to explain their companies’ operational challenges, service delivery obligations, and concrete plans to address subscribers’ complaints.”
​Outrage Over Siphoned Revenues vs. Subpar Service
​Lawmakers did not mince words regarding the billions of naira telecommunication companies generate from Nigerian consumers despite delivering substandard service.
​Rep. Ibe Osonwa (Abia) criticized the providers for showing disrespect to the national legislature and the Nigerian populace.
​”It is unacceptable for companies benefiting from the Nigerian market to ignore invitations from the legislature, particularly when the investigation concerns services affecting millions of customers and businesses,” Osonwa warned, emphasizing that operators must be held accountable.
​What Happens Next?
​Network disruptions have gone beyond minor inconveniences—they now pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s digital economy, disrupting e-commerce, banking apps, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals across urban and rural communities alike.
​The upcoming October 28 hearing will put telecom giants on the hot seat, forcing them to justify their infrastructure investments, explain ongoing network failures, and outline immediate solutions to restore service standards.