SERAP asks Tinubu to probe alleged ₦26.9bn USPF scandal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the alleged disappearance or diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

 

In a letter dated May 9, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the funds.

 

SERAP also called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.

 

The organisation said any missing funds should be recovered and returned to the treasury.

 

According to SERAP, the allegations were contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation 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, support infrastructure development, and promote inclusive connectivity,” the letter stated.

 

SERAP said the allegations involved unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public funds, irregular contract awards and payments for services allegedly not rendered.

 

The group warned that failure to investigate the matter would negatively affect efforts to expand internet access and digital inclusion across the country.

 

“Any diversion or mismanagement of USPF resources directly undermines efforts to improve internet connectivity, digital inclusion and access to essential services,” SERAP said.

 

The organisation argued that poor internet access limits Nigerians’ ability to enjoy several fundamental rights, including access to information, education, healthcare, financial services and participation in public affairs.

 

It also warned that the alleged mismanagement could deepen socio-economic inequality, particularly among vulnerable and underserved communities that rely on government-backed digital infrastructure programmes.

 

SERAP said transparency and accountability in the management of the USPF were necessary to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians.

 

The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands or risk legal action.

 

Citing the Auditor-General’s report, SERAP alleged that the USPF failed to disclose the existence of a domiciliary dollar account and denied the Auditor-General access to relevant account books.

 

The report also reportedly queried the use of funds for projects and programmes not budgeted for in 2020 without evidence of approved virement by the National Assembly.