Senate Probes MTN, Airtel, Glo, Others Over Poor Network Services, Airtime Deductions

The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into persistent complaints of poor telecommunications services and alleged unjustified airtime deductions by mobile network operators.

The upper chamber directed its Committee on Communications to invite the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and relevant telecommunications operators to investigate complaints of failed calls, dropped connections, interrupted conversations and airtime depletion despite unsuccessful communication attempts.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and presented during Wednesday's plenary by Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South. 

The motion was seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North.

The lawmakers expressed concern that subscribers frequently lose airtime on calls that fail to connect, terminate prematurely or experience interruptions due to network problems, forcing users to make repeated attempts at additional cost.

Presenting the motion, Ashiru noted that telecommunications services had become essential to individuals, businesses and public institutions, stressing that Nigerians should not bear the financial consequences of services that operators fail to deliver effectively.

The Senate also raised concerns about the cumulative financial impact of such deductions, particularly on low-income earners, traders, students and small business operators who depend heavily on mobile communication.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee to engage the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the leadership of the NCC on the matter.

Although the committee has been given four weeks to submit its findings, Akpabio warned that the Senate could escalate the investigation to a Committee of the Whole and summon the minister, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman and telecommunications operators if the explanations provided are unsatisfactory.

He attributed some of the avoidable losses suffered by subscribers to possible gaps in regulatory supervision, emphasising the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the telecommunications industry.

The investigation is expected to establish the financial losses incurred by subscribers, examine operators' billing practices and identify possible regulatory or legislative measures to address the complaints.

The development places renewed attention on consumer protection, quality of service and the responsibility of telecommunications operators to ensure that subscribers receive value for the airtime they purchase.

For millions of Nigerians who depend on mobile networks for personal and business communication, the outcome of the Senate's investigation could have significant implications for service accountability and consumer rights.

Why It Matters
The investigation raises a fundamental consumer protection question: should Nigerians lose money when telecommunications services fail to deliver? Its outcome could strengthen accountability, improve billing transparency and reinforce regulatory enforcement across the telecoms industry.