Senate Orders Probe into Airtime Deductions Over Failed Calls, Drops and Network Interruptions

The Nigerian Senate has mandated its Committee on Communications to investigate complaints of airtime deductions arising from failed calls, dropped calls and interrupted conversations across telecommunications networks.

The resolution followed consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Muhammed Monguno, representing Borno North, and seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North during Wednesday’s plenary.

Senator Lola Ashiru of Kwara South moved the motion on behalf of Monguno, highlighting the growing dependence of individuals, businesses and public institutions on telecommunications services.

Monguno noted that subscribers frequently experience dropped calls, failed connections and interrupted conversations, with airtime deducted despite communication not being successfully completed.

He expressed concern that customers often have to redial repeatedly to complete conversations, resulting in additional expenses caused by network problems beyond their control.

According to the senator, the financial losses become significant when aggregated across millions of subscribers, with traders, students and small business owners particularly affected.

Supporting the motion, Nwoko described the issue as a widespread concern requiring urgent attention from telecommunications regulators. He argued that Nigerians should not continue paying for services that are not effectively delivered.

Following deliberations, the Senate directed its Committee on Communications to investigate complaints involving failed calls, dropped calls and interrupted connections, assess the financial losses suffered by subscribers and recommend appropriate legislative action.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio further directed the committee to engage the minister responsible for telecommunications and the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as part of its investigation.

The committee was given four weeks to submit its report to the Senate.

The proposed investigation is expected to examine the concerns raised by telecommunications subscribers and determine what regulatory or legislative measures may be necessary to address unfair airtime deductions.