Just In: House Of Reps Threatens Arrest-Warrants For MTN And Airtel Over Ignored-Summons

Just In: House Of Reps Threatens Arrest-Warrants For MTN And Airtel Over Ignored-Summons

The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, on Tuesday, June 25, threatened to issue warrants of arrest for telecom giants MTN and Airtel for failing to honour its invitations.

During a public hearing on a bill to regulate corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, Hon. Lillian Orogbu criticized certain companies for repeatedly violating the law and emphasized the need for appropriate punishment. She highlighted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN, and Airtel have consistently ignored the committee’s invitations, thus necessitating the invocation of its powers.

Orogbu stated, “Section 89, 8 of the Constitution mandates individual companies to make themselves available to parliament. MTN and Airtel take so much from our nation and feel too big to appear before parliament. We will not tolerate this.”

She called on the NCC to arrange meetings between the telecom companies and parliament, emphasizing, “We gave them the powers to operate in Nigeria, and refusing to honour the invitation of parliament is unacceptable.”

Orogbu continued, “If MTN is here, I have taken all friendly measures to make them understand the need to appear before parliament, but they have refused. We want you to be responsible and accountable. They operate across the country and have disrespected the nation by not responding to our invitation.”

She urged the NCC to ensure that these companies comply and appear before parliament, asserting that disrespecting parliament does not demonstrate responsibility.

In his presentation, a representative of the Central Bank, Wondi Ndanusa, supported the bill but raised concerns about the proposed penalty of imprisonment for defaulting companies. He suggested a more persuasive approach due to the financial burdens faced by many companies.

Opening the hearing, the Speaker of the House, represented by leader Julius Ihobvere, stressed that the success of the legislative process depends on public response and contributions. He called on stakeholders to provide meaningful input to help shape the outcome of the bill, stating, “Public hearing is part of our legislative process to engage citizens in lawmaking. Your robust ideas and contributions will no doubt shape the outcome of this meeting.”