From Premium Times Nigeria · Sharon Eboesomi · · 3m
Reps summon MTN, Airtel, Glo CEOs over poor network quality
Nigerian lawmakers demand MTN, Airtel, Glo CEOs explain network service failures by 28 October.
In brief
Nigerian lawmakers demand MTN, Airtel, Glo CEOs explain network service failures by 28 October. Nigerian House of Representatives requires MTN, Airtel, and Glo CEOs to appear by October 28 to address deteriorating telecom services affecting millions. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Lawmakers summon telecom CEOs
The House of Representatives has given chief executives of major telecommunications companies seven days to appear before it and explain the persistent deterioration in network services across Nigeria.
Deadline for telecom CEOs
The companies, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo) and Mafab Communications Ltd., are expected to appear before the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the poor quality of telecommunications services on 28 October.
Committee warns of arrest
The committee warned that chief executives who fail to honour the invitation could be subjected to a summons for arrest to compel their appearance.
Committee resolution
The resolution followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Sunday Umeha (APC, Enugu) and Afam Ogene (NDC, Anambra).
NCC compliance order
The committee directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected telecommunications operators comply with the invitation and appear at 2 p.m.
Document submission requirement
The operators were also directed to submit relevant documents to the committee before the hearing and provide explanations for the decline in service quality, which has affected millions of subscribers and businesses.
Chairman's economic argument
Chairman of the committee, Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), said reliable telecommunications services had become essential to Nigeria’s economy, with their importance extending beyond calls and internet access.
Chairman's business impact
He cited businesses, financial transactions, and Point of Sale (POS) operations as activities that depend heavily on telecommunications networks.
Chairman's economic necessity
‘Telecommunications has become indispensable to our economy,’ Mr Osoba said, adding that the committee was constituted in response to recurring complaints from subscribers over poor services.
Chairman's accountability concern
He expressed concern that some of the invited companies had avoided direct engagement with the committee by sending junior officials or offering excuses for the absence of their chief executives.
Committee's personal appearance demand
According to him, the committee expects the CEOs to appear personally because they are in a position to explain the operational challenges facing their companies and the measures being taken to address them.
Second member's criticism
Another committee member, Ibe Osonwa (LP, Abia), also criticised the operators for failing to honour the invitation.
Second member's accountability stance
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Mr Osonwa said it was unacceptable for companies generating substantial revenue from the Nigerian market to disregard an invitation from the legislature, particularly when the inquiry concerned services affecting millions of their customers.
Second member's consequences
He said the operators must be held accountable for the quality of services they provide and warned that the House would not allow attempts to frustrate its investigation.
Committee's final warning
Mr Osoba subsequently directed the NCC to ensure compliance with the committee’s resolution and reiterated that the affected telecommunications companies must appear before the lawmakers on 28 October with the requested documents and explanations.
The essence
Nigerian House of Representatives requires MTN, Airtel, and Glo CEOs to appear by October 28 to address deteriorating telecom services affecting millions.
