A House of Representatives committee has given the chief executives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecommunications operators seven days to appear before it over poor network services.
The executives are expected at 2pm on October 28 in Hearing Room 447 of the National Assembly’s New Building in Abuja. The committee asked the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure that the operators comply.
The directive followed a public hearing on Wednesday, October 21, at which some invited operators, including MTN and Mafab, failed to appear. The committee adopted motions sponsored by Sunday Umeha and Afam Ogene.
Committee chairman Olumide Osoba said the chief executives should attend personally because they were best placed to explain operational challenges, service obligations and plans to address subscribers’ complaints. He criticised the practice of offering excuses or sending lower-ranking representatives.
The lawmakers warned that executives who failed to honour the invitation could face arrest summons to compel their attendance.
Osoba said unreliable telecommunications services affected activities beyond calls and internet access, including Point of Sale transactions and other business payments. He said the committee was investigating recurring subscriber complaints and the causes of poor service.
Abia lawmaker Ibe Osonwa also criticised operators who ignored legislative invitations, saying they had a responsibility to account for the services they provided to customers.
The companies are to bring documents and explanations on network quality to the October 28 hearing.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
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