The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project( SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an urgent probe into the alleged disappearance and diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
SERAP, in a letter dated May 9 and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, its deputy director urged the President to direct Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy and Yomi Arowosafe, the USPF Secretary to “account for and explain the whereabouts” of the funds allegedly missing from the agency.
The organisation also asked Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the attorney general of the federation and anti-graft agencies to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
According to SERAP, the allegations were contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 audit report published on September 9, 2025.
“The USPF is vital to expanding telecommunications access in underserved and rural communities, and any diversion of its funds directly undermines its mandate to bridge the digital divide,” the group stated.
SERAP said the alleged financial irregularities involved unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public funds, irregular contract awards and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
It warned that failure to recover the funds could worsen inequality and limit access to digital services for millions of Nigerians.
“Poor access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity directly affects Nigerians’ ability to exercise a range of fundamental human rights,” the organisation said.
The group stressed that internet access now plays a key role in education, healthcare, economic opportunities and participation in public affairs.
Among the allegations highlighted in the Auditor-General’s report was the alleged failure of the USPF to remit over ₦13.8 billion in operating surplus between 2016 and 2019.
The report also questioned over ₦11.7 million reportedly spent on international trainings during the COVID-19 lockdown period without supporting documents.
SERAP further cited alleged contract awards worth over ₦2.8 billion without approval, an ₦8 million payment to a “non-existing fund manager,” and over ₦390 million allegedly paid to consultants without evidence of completed jobs.
“The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted,” SERAP said while demanding full recovery of the funds where necessary.
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act or face possible legal action.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days… otherwise, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel compliance,” the letter added.
