The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing poor telecommunications services has given operators a seven-day ultimatum to appear before it.
The operators, including MTN Nigeria, Globacom (Glo) and Mafab Communications Ltd, are to answer questions on the deteriorating quality of services across the country.
Lawmakers expressed displeasure that the operators had ignored earlier invitations. They directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that all affected operators comply with the latest summons.
Speaking at the investigative hearing, the committee chairman, Olumide Osoba, said telecommunications services had become indispensable to Nigeria’s economy. He said they extend beyond voice calls and internet access to critical commercial activities, including Point of Sale (POS) transactions.
Osoba noted that businesses, financial transactions and other essential services depend heavily on reliable networks. He described the persistent decline in service quality as a matter of serious national concern.
He explained that this was why the Ad Hoc Committee was constituted: to investigate recurring subscriber complaints and determine the factors responsible for poor service.
The chairman also expressed concern that the invited chief executives had continued to evade direct engagement with the committee. He said they offered various excuses or sent lower-ranking officials to represent them.
