N’Assembly lacks power to regulate telecom operators — Lawyer
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readA legal dispute has emerged between the House of Representatives and telecommunications operators regarding the lawmakers' authority to summon CEOs and regulate service quality. Legal experts argue that such oversight exceeds the National Assembly's constitutional powers, which are restricted to lawmaking and fiscal accountability rather than direct industry regulation.
Context & Background
- ✦The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 designates the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the primary body responsible for regulating telecom operators and enforcing quality-of-service requirements.
- ✦The conflict stems from public frustration over poor network services, including dropped calls and slow internet, which the House of Representatives is attempting to address through committee hearings.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Sesan Bankole, Lawyer:Argues that the National Assembly cannot regulate or fine telecom companies as those powers belong to the NCC.Ilemona Onoja, Public Policy Commentator:Suggests lawmakers should focus on structural issues like fibre-optic vandalism and multiple taxation rather than summoning executives.
Outlook & Next Steps
The House of Representatives committee continues to demand the personal appearance of telecom CEOs, with a compliance deadline set for November 4, 2026, under threat of arrest warrants.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Lawyer Sesan Bankole asserts that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to regulate or sanction private telecommunications operators, citing the NCC as the sole regulator.
- The House of Representatives has threatened to issue arrest warrants for telecom CEOs who fail to appear before an ad hoc committee investigating poor network service quality.
- Legal experts argue that legislative investigations must be tied to specific constitutional purposes, such as lawmaking or exposing corruption, rather than general regulatory oversight.
Key Facts:November 4, 2026: The House of Representatives committee set a deadline for telecom chief executives to appear before them.2018: The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) instituted a lawsuit challenging legislative summonses.
Editorial Excerpt
A lawyer, Sesan Bankole, says the National Assembly lacks the power to regulate or sanction telecom operators, arguing this is the NCC's responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the basis for the National Assembly's investigative power?
According to Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly can conduct investigations to make or amend laws and examine the conduct of authorities responsible for administering appropriated public funds.
Why do critics argue the current summons are inappropriate?
Critics argue the summons are sub judice due to a pending 2018 lawsuit by ALTON and that the National Assembly lacks the regulatory authority to impose sanctions on private companies, which is the mandate of the NCC.
