Senate orders probe of MTN, Airtel, Glo over airtime deductions, demands refunds

The Senate has directed the NCC to investigate major telecommunications operators over alleged unjustified airtime deductions, demanding automatic refunds for failed calls, stricter service regulations and a report within four weeks.

The Senate has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate telecommunications operators over alleged unjustified airtime deductions from subscribers experiencing failed and interrupted calls.

According to The Sun, the directive followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno during Wednesday’s plenary.

Lawmakers urged the NCC to investigate MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel and T2 Mobile, formerly 9mobile, over billing irregularities and persistent network failures.

The Senate demanded automatic refunds for verifiably failed calls and qualifying service interruptions, alongside accessible complaint mechanisms for affected subscribers.

It also called for independent technical audits of operators’ billing systems and stricter sanctions against companies violating service quality standards.

The Senate Committee on Communications was given four weeks to investigate complaints, assess subscribers’ financial losses and recommend further action.

Lawmakers expressed concern that repeated failed calls impose additional financial burdens on Nigerians, particularly low-income earners, traders and students.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed the National Senior Secondary Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at improving educational governance and coordination nationwide.