SERAP Gives Tinubu 7-Day Ultimatum To Probe Missing N26.9Billion Universal Service Provision Fund

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Yomi Arowosafe, to account for and explain the whereabouts of an alleged ₦26.9 billion in public funds said to be missing or diverted from the fund. SERAP also urged the President to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to promptly and effectively investigate the allegations surrounding the alleged mismanagement of the ₦26.9 billion USPF funds. SERAP said, "Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury." The grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025. In a letter dated May 9, 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, "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, support infrastructure development, and promote inclusive connectivity. "These allegations, which include unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public funds, irregular contract awards, and payments for services not rendered, point to serious breaches of public trust and raise concerns about systemic failures in financial accountability within the USPF." "Any failure to investigate the allegations and recover any missing or diverted public funds would not only deprive Nigerians of essential services but also frustrate national development objectives and efforts to achieve digital inclusion," it said. The organisation said the alleged diversion or mismanagement of funds from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) could have serious consequences for millions of Nigerians, particularly those in underserved and rural communities who rely on the programme for access to telecommunications infrastructure and information services. It warned that any mismanagement of the funds would undermine efforts to improve internet connectivity, digital inclusion, and bridge the country’s persistent digital divide. SERAP further noted that poor access to reliable and affordable internet limits Nigerians’ ability to fully enjoy fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, education, and participation in public affairs, while also restricting access to healthcare, financial services, and economic opportunities. The group added that failure to ensure accountability could worsen inequality, especially for vulnerable groups who depend on public intervention to access digital infrastructure, effectively excluding millions from civic engagement and essential services. It stressed that transparency and accountability in managing USPF resources are essential not only for financial integrity but also for protecting human rights and promoting dignity across the country. "We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” it said. “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the USPF to comply with our request in the public interest." The organisation said, "According to the 2022 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation which was published on 9 September 2025, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) failed to disclose that it maintained a domiciliary (dollar) account, and failed to grant the Auditor-General access to books of the account. "The USPF failed to remit over N13.8 billion [13,874,132.629.50] 'being 25% annual operating surplus for four years, that is, between 2016 and 2019.' The Auditor-General fears 'the money may have been diverted.' He wants the USPF to account for and remit the money. "The USPF also 'claimed to have spent over N11.7 million [N11,793,838.40] on international trainings in October 2020', but 'these claims were made without any documents.' There 'were no documents such as letter of invitation for the programme, no receipt/invoice for registration, and no certificate of participation.'" It noted that the Auditor-General raised multiple concerns over alleged financial irregularities involving the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), including payments and contracts executed without proper documentation, approvals, or budgetary backing. The Auditor-General noted that during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020, funds were reportedly paid for foreign trips despite travel restrictions and without supporting documents, raising fears that the money may have been diverted. Also, the Auditor-General flagged over ₦2.8 billion in contracts awarded without evidence of approval or procurement procedures, warning that this may have led to the loss of public funds. In another case, ₦8 million was allegedly paid to a non-existent fund manager, with records showing no such officer was employed at the time, while contract dates also appeared inconsistent. The Auditor-General further questioned payments of over ₦6.4 billion for connectivity and access projects that were not included in the approved 2020 budget and lacked evidence of proper virement approval. Additional concerns included over ₦2.8 billion spent between January and May 2021 without supporting documentation or clear purpose, as well as the failure to remit over ₦300 million in stamp duties and over ₦144 million in withholding tax. Payments exceeding ₦391 million to consultants were also flagged due to a lack of evidence that any work was carried out. The Auditor-General repeatedly called for recovery and remittance of the funds to the treasury, as well as proper accountability for all expenditures.