Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into telecommunications operators over persistent poor network services and alleged unjustified deductions from subscribers’ airtime.
Gatekeepers News reports that resolution was reached during plenary on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following complaints that Nigerians lose airtime on calls that fail to connect, drop unexpectedly or are interrupted by network problems.
The motion was sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and presented by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, described the situation as a widespread problem affecting telecommunications subscribers across the country. He said Nigerians should not continue to bear the financial burden of services that are poorly delivered.
Senate subsequently directed its Committee on Communications to investigate the billing practices of major operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2 Mobile, alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The committee is expected to determine the financial losses suffered by subscribers and recommend measures to address the complaints. These include automatic refunds for verified failed calls, improved complaint-resolution channels, independent audits of billing systems and stricter enforcement of service quality standards.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the committee to commence the investigation immediately and submit its findings within four weeks.
He, however, warned that the Senate could take over the investigation as a Committee of the Whole and summon the telecommunications operators, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman if the committee’s findings were unsatisfactory.
The Senate said the investigation was necessary to protect consumers from avoidable financial losses and ensure that telecommunications subscribers receive the services they pay for.
