The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the alleged missing or diverted ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
In a statement released on Sunday, 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 account for the funds and explain their whereabouts.
The organisation made the demand in a letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stressing that the USPF plays a critical role in expanding telecommunications access in underserved and rural communities.
SERAP said, “The USPF is vital to bridging the digital divide, supporting infrastructure development, and promoting inclusive connectivity. Any diversion of its funds directly undermines its mandate.”
The group also asked President Tinubu to mandate the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury,” SERAP stated.
According to the organisation, the allegations were contained in the latest annual report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025.
SERAP said the report highlighted several financial irregularities, including unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public funds, irregular contract awards, and payments allegedly made for services not rendered.
“These allegations point to serious breaches of public trust and raise concerns about systemic failures in financial accountability within the USPF,” the group said.
The rights organisation warned that failure to investigate the matter and recover the funds could deprive millions of Nigerians—particularly those in rural communities—of access to telecommunications infrastructure and digital services.
“The alleged diversion or mismanagement of public funds from the USPF has far-reaching consequences for Nigerians who depend on the fund to expand access to telecommunications and universal information services,” the letter read.
SERAP added that mismanagement of the fund undermines efforts to improve internet connectivity, deepen digital inclusion, and close the persistent digital divide across the country.
“Poor access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity affects Nigerians’ ability to exercise fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, education, and participation in public affairs,” it said.
The organisation further argued that lack of accountability risks widening inequality, especially among marginalised and vulnerable populations who rely heavily on public interventions for digital access.
SERAP disclosed that the Auditor-General’s report alleged that the USPF failed to disclose a domiciliary account and denied auditors access to its records.
It also alleged that the fund failed to remit over ₦13.8 billion, representing a 25 percent annual operating surplus between 2016 and 2019, raising fears that the money may have been diverted.
The group further cited claims of over ₦11.7 million spent on international trainings in October 2020 without supporting documentation such as invitation letters, invoices, or certificates of participation.
SERAP noted that the payments were reportedly made during the COVID-19 lockdown period when international travel restrictions were in place.
The letter also alleged that contracts worth over ₦2.8 billion were awarded without proper approval or procurement documentation, while ₦8 million was allegedly paid as fees to a non-existing fund manager.
“The Auditor-General is concerned that these actions may have resulted in the loss of public funds and has recommended that the money be accounted for and recovered,” SERAP said.
Citing constitutional provisions, the organisation stated, “Section 15(5) of the Constitution imposes a responsibility on the government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
SERAP said it expects the recommended actions to be taken within seven days, warning that it may initiate legal proceedings against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the USPF if no action is taken in the public interest.
