Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber, the House of Representatives of Nigeria, on Wednesday issued a sharp rebuke to the nation’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), accusing it of failing to enforce standards that would guarantee reliable and efficient telecom services for millions of Nigerians.
The criticism came amid growing frustration among citizens and businesses over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and network outages that have increasingly disrupted daily life and economic activities. Lawmakers warned that the consequences of such lapses extend beyond inconvenience, posing serious risks to lives and property, particularly during emergencies when communication is critical.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ahmadu Jaha, who represents the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno State. Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, Jaha painted a troubling picture of a sector that has not kept pace with its vital role in modern society.
According to him, telecommunications have become the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, supporting sectors ranging from banking and commerce to education and healthcare. Yet, he noted, there remains a glaring disconnect between what subscribers expect and what service providers actually deliver.
“Telecommunications services are no longer a luxury; they are essential to survival in today’s world,” Jaha said during the debate. “However, what Nigerians are experiencing daily falls far short of acceptable standards. Calls drop in the middle of critical conversations, internet connectivity fluctuates unpredictably, and in some areas, signals disappear entirely.”
Lawmakers echoed his concerns, recounting personal experiences and complaints from constituents who have endured persistent network failures.
Several members highlighted the dangers posed by unreliable communication systems, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas where timely access to emergency services can mean the difference between life and death.
One legislator noted that in security-challenged regions, the inability to place a call or send a message during distress situations could have devastating consequences. Others pointed to the economic toll, stressing that small businesses and digital entrepreneurs are among the hardest hit by poor connectivity.
At the heart of the House’s criticism was what members described as the NCC’s weak regulatory oversight. They argued that despite existing guidelines and quality-of-service benchmarks, the commission has not done enough to hold telecom operators accountable.
“The regulatory framework exists, but enforcement appears to be lacking,” one lawmaker said. “Operators continue to fall short, yet there are minimal consequences. This has created a culture of complacency.”
The House warned that continued inaction could erode public confidence in the telecommunications sector, which has been one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and rapidly growing industries over the past two decades. Members stressed that without stricter enforcement and improved monitoring, the gains recorded in the sector could be undermined.
As part of its resolution, the House called on the NCC to strengthen its oversight functions and ensure that service providers adhere strictly to established standards. Lawmakers also urged the commission to implement more transparent mechanisms for tracking service quality and addressing consumer complaints.
In addition, the House signaled its intention to conduct further investigations into the operations of telecom companies and the effectiveness of the NCC’s regulatory efforts. Some members proposed public hearings that would bring together stakeholders, including service providers, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups, to chart a path forward.
The debate underscores a broader national conversation about infrastructure, accountability, and the role of regulators in safeguarding public interest. For millions of Nigerians who rely daily on their phones and internet connections, the outcome of this renewed scrutiny could determine whether meaningful improvements are finally on the horizon.
As the session drew to a close, there was a shared sense of urgency among lawmakers. The message was clear: in an era where connectivity underpins nearly every aspect of life, substandard telecom services are no longer tolerable, and regulators must rise to the challenge.
