The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged disappearance and diversion of ₦26.9 billion belonging to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
In a letter dated May 9, 2026, SERAP urged the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to explain the whereabouts of the funds allegedly missing from the telecommunications intervention agency.
The organisation also requested that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, launch a thorough investigation into the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
SERAP said any recovered funds should be returned to the national treasury.
According to the group, the allegations are contained in the 2022 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was published on September 9, 2025.
The letter, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, described the USPF as a critical institution established to expand telecommunications services to underserved and rural communities across Nigeria.
SERAP warned that any diversion or mismanagement of the fund could undermine efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide and weaken access to essential internet and communication infrastructure.
The organisation alleged that the audit report revealed several irregularities, including unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public funds, questionable contract awards, and payments allegedly made for services not rendered.
According to SERAP, the alleged financial misconduct represents a major breach of public trust and raises concerns over accountability and transparency within the management of the USPF.
The group further argued that poor internet access continues to limit millions of Nigerians from fully participating in economic, educational, and civic activities, especially in rural communities where digital infrastructure remains inadequate.
SERAP stressed that internet access has become essential for the enjoyment of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, education, healthcare information, and economic opportunities in an increasingly digital society.
The organisation warned that failure to investigate the allegations and recover any diverted funds could worsen inequality and exclude vulnerable Nigerians from vital services and opportunities.
SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it may initiate legal proceedings against the government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the USPF if no concrete action is taken.
The organisation also cited findings from the Auditor-General’s report alleging that the USPF maintained an undisclosed domiciliary account and failed to grant auditors access to certain financial records.
The Auditor-General reportedly requested the agency to account for the funds and provide approval documents from the National Assembly regarding the reallocation of money used for projects and programmes not originally captured in the 2020 budget.
