Instacool News | October 22, 2026

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has given major telecommunications operators seven days to explain why millions of subscribers continue to experience poor network services, dropped calls and unreliable internet connectivity.

The House ad hoc committee investigating the quality of telecommunications services has directed the chief executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications Limited and other affected operators to appear before lawmakers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Hearing Room 447, New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The ultimatum was issued during a public hearing on Wednesday, October 21, after lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of some invited operators, including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, to honour earlier invitations.

The committee also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the operators comply with the invitation and submit relevant documents before the hearing.

Why lawmakers are summoning telecom CEOs

The investigation follows recurring complaints from subscribers about poor voice calls, slow internet speeds, unstable connectivity and network disruptions that affect everyday communication and commercial activities.

Committee chairman Olumide Osoba said reliable telecommunications services were essential to Nigeria’s economy. Beyond calls and internet browsing, network connectivity supports banking, digital payments, online businesses and Point of Sale (POS) transactions.

Lawmakers expressed concern that some company executives had reportedly offered excuses or sent lower-ranking officials instead of appearing personally before the committee.

The committee wants the CEOs to explain the operational challenges affecting their networks, account for service quality and outline what their companies are doing to improve the experience of Nigerian subscribers.

Reps Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene sponsored the motions that led to the committee’s resolution.

Another lawmaker, Ibe Osonwa, criticised the operators for failing to honour previous invitations, arguing that companies benefiting from the Nigerian market should be prepared to answer questions about services affecting their customers.

The committee warned that CEOs who fail to appear could face a summons for arrest to compel their attendance. This is a warning of possible enforcement action, not confirmation that any executive has already been arrested.

Operators affected by the ultimatum

The companies specifically named in reports of the committee’s directive are:

  • MTN Nigeria

  • Airtel Nigeria

  • Globacom (Glo)

  • Mafab Communications Limited

  • Other affected telecommunications service providers, as directed by the committee

The named companies are expected to account for their service delivery and provide documents requested by the lawmakers. The committee has tasked the NCC with ensuring compliance.

NCC says 75 million subscribers received compensation

The legislative action comes amid continued scrutiny of network quality and consumer protection.

On October 20, the NCC disclosed that 75 million subscribers had received airtime compensation for poor telecommunications service in 2026. It also reported that nearly three million subscribers had received refunds for failed airtime and data purchases.

The commission said it had carried out more than 6,500 network interventions during the year, including equipment upgrades and capacity expansion.

The compensation framework is designed to provide airtime credits to eligible subscribers affected by qualifying service failures in areas where operators do not meet the regulator’s quality-of-service standards. Eligibility depends on the NCC’s assessment of the affected locations and network performance.

However, compensation does not necessarily prevent future disruptions or fully make up for the consequences of lost business, failed payments or missed calls.

The latest figures underline the central question facing lawmakers: if regulatory interventions and compensation are already taking place, what more must operators do to deliver reliable service?

What this means for Nigerian subscribers

Poor connectivity is more than an inconvenience. For traders, small businesses, remote workers, students and people who rely on mobile banking, an unstable network can mean lost sales, interrupted lessons, delayed payments and difficulty reaching family or emergency services.

The October 28 hearing could give lawmakers an opportunity to question the operators directly about network capacity, coverage gaps, infrastructure investment, complaint resolution and plans to improve service delivery.

It could also clarify the respective responsibilities of telecom companies and the regulator when subscribers repeatedly experience poor service.

For now, the committee has set a date for the operators to answer questions. Whether the hearing leads to measurable improvements in network performance remains to be seen.

Will Nigerians finally get better network service?

The seven-day ultimatum puts major telecom operators under renewed legislative pressure, but subscribers will ultimately judge the outcome by what happens on their phones: clearer calls, faster and more consistent internet, fewer failed transactions and better accountability when services break down.

The October 28 hearing is the next key date. Instacool will follow the proceedings and report any verified commitments, regulatory decisions or further actions announced by the House or the NCC.

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