By Seun Ibiyemi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct a full investigation into the alleged disappearance or diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), warning that failure to act could undermine public trust and Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda.
In a letter dated May 9, 2026, SERAP also urged the President to mandate the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the funds and explain their whereabouts.
The organisation further called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to immediately investigate the allegations and ensure prosecution where evidence exists.
SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, who signed the letter, said the allegations were contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.
According to SERAP, the report raised concerns over unaccounted expenditures, irregular contract awards, failure to remit public funds, and payments for services not rendered within the USPF.
The organisation said the alleged financial infractions include over N13.8 billion in unremitted operating surpluses between 2016 and 2019, questionable international training expenditures of N11.7 million during COVID-19 lockdown periods, and contracts worth over N2.8 billion awarded without proper approvals.
It also cited irregular payments of N8 million to a non-existing fund manager, over N6.4 billion spent on connectivity projects outside approved budgets, and more than N2.8 billion expended without documentation or clear justification.
SERAP further raised concerns over the alleged non-collection and non-remittance of over N300 million in stamp duties, failure to deduct taxes amounting to N144 million, and payments of over N391 million to consultants without evidence of completed work.
The organisation warned that the alleged mismanagement of USPF funds directly undermines Nigeria’s efforts to expand telecommunications access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
It stressed that the Universal Service Provision Fund plays a critical role in bridging the digital divide and promoting internet connectivity, digital inclusion, and access to essential services.
SERAP argued that poor accountability in the management of the fund threatens citizens’ rights to information, education, economic opportunities, and participation in public affairs.
The group also linked digital exclusion to broader socio-economic inequality, noting that millions of Nigerians risk being left behind in an increasingly digital global economy.
It warned that failure to investigate and recover the alleged missing funds would frustrate national development goals and weaken public confidence in governance institutions.
SERAP gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to act on its recommendations, stating that it would consider legal action if no response is received.
The organisation said ensuring transparency in the management of USPF resources is not only a matter of financial accountability but also essential to protecting citizens’ rights and promoting national development.
