Nigeria’s House of Representatives has criticised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over what lawmakers described as weak regulatory oversight, blaming the agency for the persistently poor quality of telecommunications services across the country.
Lawmakers said the regulator has failed to effectively enforce standards that would compel service providers to deliver reliable connectivity, warning that the situation could endanger lives and property, particularly during emergencies.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ahmadu Jaha, who represents the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno State.
Presenting the motion, Jaha highlighted the growing importance of telecommunications to Nigeria’s economy and daily life, while lamenting the widening gap between subscriber expectations and actual service delivery.
He cited frequent dropped calls, slow data speeds, and failed message delivery as evidence of systemic inefficiencies in the sector. Jaha also attributed part of the challenge to inadequate infrastructure expansion, particularly in fast-growing urban areas and underserved rural communities.
Lawmakers further expressed concern over the mismatch between the high cost of telecom services and the quality delivered to consumers.
In its resolution, the House urged telecom operators to invest in modern infrastructure, expand coverage—especially in rural areas—and improve customer service systems while ensuring fair pricing aligned with service quality.
The House also directed the NCC to enforce stricter quality standards and hold service providers accountable, signalling potential stronger legislative oversight of the sector.
As part of its next steps, lawmakers resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the root causes of poor service delivery and recommend further legislative action.
Meanwhile, some youths have taken to the streets to damand a review of tarrif on data.
Happening now:
“Justice for Data, we want value for our money.
Nigerians took Protest to MTN office over the poor service and “extortion” by MTN. pic.twitter.com/hCV2N3S9yi
— Chude (@Chude_ND1) May 6, 2026
