Nigeria’s House of Representatives has given the chief executives of major telecommunications companies until November 4, 2026, to appear before lawmakers and explain the persistent network problems affecting subscribers. The lawmakers have warned that failure to comply could lead to arrest warrants. The latest directive follows a dispute over who should represent the telecommunications companies at the ongoing investigation into poor service quality. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had reportedly attempted to represent the operators collectively, but the lawmakers rejected the arrangement and insisted on hearing directly from the companies’ chief executives. The committee wants the executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Mafab Communications to answer questions about the quality of services provided to customers. Rather than accept representation through an industry association, the lawmakers maintain that each operator must personally account for its network performance. The investigation comes as complaints about unreliable telecommunications services continue across Nigeria. Subscribers regularly contend with dropped calls, slow internet connections, failed airtime and data purchases, and poor network coverage. These disruptions affect individuals and businesses that depend on mobile services for communication, online transactions and daily operations. For small businesses, an unstable connection can interrupt customer orders and electronic payments. For ordinary subscribers, poor service can mean paying for data they struggle to use or being unable to complete important calls. The problem becomes even more serious when network failures prevent people from reaching emergency services or contacting security agencies. During the proceedings, lawmakers also raised concerns about areas with little or no network coverage, particularly along some major roads and in underserved communities. House spokesperson Akin Rotimi reportedly highlighted signal gaps in parts of his constituency in Ekiti State. He also linked poor connectivity to security concerns, citing an alleged ambush in which two traditional rulers were killed along a road where mobile signals were unavailable for approximately 20 minutes. The concerns have prompted questions about whether telecom operators are investing enough in network infrastructure outside commercially attractive locations. Rural communities and areas with weaker revenue potential may require additional investment to ensure residents receive reliable services. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced measures intended to improve service quality and compensate affected subscribers. In October 2026, the regulator reported that 75 million subscribers had received compensation for poor network service during the year. It also said nearly three million customers had received refunds for failed airtime and data transactions, alongside more than 6,500 interventions aimed at resolving network-related issues. However, the continued flow of complaints suggests that regulatory interventions have not eliminated the problems. Data attributed to the NCC showed that telecommunications companies recorded more than 413,000 consumer complaints in the first half of 2026. Airtel accounted for 228,992 complaints, followed by MTN with 124,405 and Globacom with 56,810. T2mobile recorded 3,885 complaints. According to the reported figures, 406,938 complaints had been resolved. The House committee is seeking explanations from the operators about the causes of these recurring service failures and the steps being taken to improve coverage and reliability. The lawmakers also want the companies to provide information and documents relevant to the investigation. The November 4 deadline places the telecom executives under renewed pressure to address the concerns directly. If they fail to appear, the committee has warned that it may pursue arrest warrants to compel their attendance. For millions of Nigerians who continue to struggle with unreliable calls and internet connections, the investigation raises an important question: will the lawmakers’ intervention lead to lasting improvements, or will subscribers continue to face the same network problems despite repeated complaints and regulatory action? Dropped Calls, Slow Data: Nigeria Wants Answers From MTN, Airtel and Glo Airtel joins MTN and Mafab to launch 5G services in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers MTN and Airtel join forces to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria Olusayo Kuti is a writer and researcher,driven to produce engaging content and sharing insightful knowledge Amazon’s $11.5 billion acquisition of receives FCC approval Dropped Calls, Slow Data: Nigeria Wants Answers From MTN, Airtel and Glo TPC Africa founder launches mobile network venture in South Africa’s booming MVNO market