The Nigerian Senate has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major telecommunications operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2 Mobile, to explain persistent poor network services and alleged unjustified deductions from subscribers’ airtime. The directive followed growing complaints from Nigerians over failed calls, dropped connections, interrupted conversations and other network disruptions that often leave subscribers paying for services they do not effectively receive.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and presented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, during plenary on Wednesday. The lawmakers expressed concern that subscribers are frequently compelled to make repeated calls before establishing successful connections, resulting in additional airtime deductions. They noted that the situation places an unnecessary financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income earners, traders, students and small business owners who depend on telecommunications services for their daily activities.

Seconding the motion, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, described the proposed investigation as a necessary consumer protection measure, arguing that Nigerians should not be made to pay for services that telecommunications operators have failed to deliver effectively. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate Committee on Communications, chaired by Senator Aliyu Ikra Bilbis, to engage the NCC and affected operators, investigate the complaints and establish the financial losses suffered by subscribers. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations for legislative and regulatory action within four weeks.

Akpabio, however, warned that the Senate could escalate the investigation to a Committee of the Whole and summon the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman and telecommunications operators if the committee fails to obtain satisfactory answers. He attributed some of the recurring problems and avoidable financial losses to inadequate regulatory supervision, stressing the need for stronger accountability in the telecommunications industry. The investigation is expected to examine the effectiveness of existing consumer protection measures, billing practices and service quality standards, with a view to ensuring that subscribers receive value for their money and are protected from unjustified charges.