The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating poor telecommunications services in Nigeria has threatened to issue arrest warrants for the chief executive officers of major telecom operators over their failure to honour its invitation.

The committee had summoned the heads of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), Mafab Communications Limited and other service providers to appear before it on October 28.

It also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the telecommunications companies’ chief executives comply with the summons.

At the committee’s sitting on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, attempted to represent the executives but was rejected by the lawmakers, who insisted that the chief executives must appear in person.

The committee’s chairman, Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), subsequently directed the telecom chiefs to attend the next sitting on November 4, warning that failure to comply could result in the issuance of arrest warrants.

A member of the committee, Sunday Umeha (APC, Enugu), argued that the telecommunications companies were individually licensed by the Federal Government and could not use their membership of an industry association as a basis for avoiding legislative scrutiny.

Umeha also criticised a letter reportedly written by ALTON questioning the committee’s authority to compel the operators to appear before it.

“They see their appearance as a privilege to this committee and not as a statutory obligation,” the lawmaker said.

He maintained that Section 88 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the National Assembly to investigate matters within its legislative jurisdiction, including issues relating to telecommunications services.

The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, also raised concerns over inadequate network coverage in parts of Ekiti State, warning that persistent signal blackouts in some communities and along major roads could expose residents and commuters to serious security risks.

Rotimi alleged that two traditional rulers in his constituency were killed in an ambush along a road without mobile network coverage.

According to him, the absence of reliable connectivity in such locations could prevent residents and commuters from contacting security agencies or seeking emergency assistance during life-threatening situations.

The lawmakers’ concerns come amid continuing complaints about the quality of telecommunications services across the country.

On October 20, the NCC announced that 75 million subscribers had received airtime compensation for poor service quality in 2026.

The commission said the intervention, implemented under its consumer compensation framework, was intended to improve service delivery and ensure that subscribers receive better connectivity.

The committee’s planned November 4 sitting is expected to provide another opportunity for the telecom operators’ chief executives to address concerns over poor network quality, service disruptions and the safety implications of inadequate coverage across Nigeria.