The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major telecommunications operators in the country, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2, over persistent cases of dropped calls, failed connections, interrupted conversations and unexplained deductions from subscribers’ airtime.
The telecommunications regulator and operators are expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Communications, chaired by Senator Aliyu Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara Central), to address growing complaints by Nigerians over poor quality of telecommunications services and financial losses suffered by subscribers.
The resolution followed the consideration of a motion titled “Need to Curb Unjustified Deductions from Subscribers’ Airtime Resulting from Substandard Telecommunications Services Through Robust Consumer Protection,” sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North).
Presenting the motion on behalf of the sponsor during plenary, the Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), expressed concern over the persistent practice of subscribers being charged for calls that were either unsuccessful, prematurely terminated or disrupted by poor network connectivity.
The Senate noted that millions of Nigerians increasingly face frustrating telecommunications experiences, with dropped calls, failed connections and interrupted conversations becoming recurring challenges, often resulting in unjustified deductions from their airtime.
Lawmakers observed that subscribers are frequently compelled to redial telephone numbers several times before establishing successful connections, thereby incurring additional charges for services that have not been effectively delivered.
They stressed that the situation places an unnecessary financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income earners, traders, students and small business owners who depend heavily on telecommunications services for their daily activities.
The Upper Chamber maintained that while network challenges may sometimes be unavoidable, subscribers should not be made to bear the financial consequences of service failures beyond their control.
Seconding the motion, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) described the proposed intervention as a straightforward consumer-protection measure, noting that poor telecommunications services affect virtually every Nigerian who relies on mobile communication.
The Delta North Senator lamented the disparity between the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria and the seamless connectivity experienced in other countries, stressing the need for improved service delivery and greater accountability from operators.
The Senate further observed that telecommunications services have become indispensable to economic activities, education, business transactions and social interactions, making reliable connectivity a necessity rather than a luxury.
Consequently, the Senate mandated its Committee on Communications to invite the Nigerian Communications Commission and the affected telecommunications operators to investigate complaints bordering on airtime deductions for failed calls, dropped calls, prematurely terminated conversations and inflated charges.
The Committee is also expected to establish the extent of financial losses suffered by subscribers and report back to the Senate within four weeks with appropriate recommendations for further legislative and regulatory action.
The lawmakers emphasised the need for stronger consumer-protection mechanisms, improved network quality and appropriate measures to ensure that Nigerians are not charged for telecommunications services that have not been successfully delivered.
The Senate’s resolution underscores the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to protecting consumers, promoting accountability in the telecommunications industry and ensuring that service providers deliver value for money to millions of Nigerian subscribers.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong, nipr.
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
+2347082203400
emy.offiong@fmino.gov.ng
11th November, 2026.
