Amanze Chinonye
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct relevant authorities to investigate alleged missing or diverted funds amounting to ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), warning that the scandal threatens digital access and fundamental rights in Nigeria.
In a letter dated May 9, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the President to instruct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the whereabouts of the funds.
SERAP also urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside anti-corruption agencies, to promptly investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
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According to the organisation, the allegations are contained in the 2022 audited report by 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 involve unaccounted expenditures, irregular contract awards, failure to remit public funds, and payments allegedly made for services not rendered.
The organisation warned that failure to investigate and recover the funds could deprive millions of Nigerians of access to essential digital services and undermine national development objectives.
“The alleged diversion or mismanagement of public funds from the USPF has far-reaching consequences for millions of Nigerians, particularly those in underserved and rural communities who depend on the USPF to expand and facilitate access to telecommunications infrastructure and universal access to information,” SERAP said.
It added that poor internet connectivity limits citizens’ ability to exercise rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, education, and participation in public affairs, while also affecting economic opportunities, healthcare access, and financial inclusion.
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Among the allegations highlighted by SERAP is the claim that the USPF failed to remit over ₦13.8 billion, representing 25 percent annual operating surplus between 2016 and 2019.
The Auditor-General reportedly expressed concern that the funds “may have been diverted” and directed the agency to account for and remit the money.
SERAP also cited alleged irregular payments of over ₦11.7 million for international trainings in October 2020 without supporting documents, despite COVID-19 lockdown restrictions that limited foreign travel during the period.
The report further alleged that contracts worth over ₦2.8 billion were awarded without approval or evidence of due procurement processes.
Other allegations include the payment of ₦8 million to a “non-existing” fund manager, irregular expenditure of over ₦6.4 billion on projects not captured in the 2020 budget, and over ₦2.8 billion allegedly spent between January and May 2021 without documentation or explanation.
The organisation also accused the USPF of failing to collect and remit over ₦333 million in stamp duties and over ₦144 million in withholding taxes from consultancy payments.
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In addition, the Auditor-General reportedly questioned payments exceeding ₦391 million to consultants for projects allegedly lacking evidence of execution, including site visits, equipment supply, and functional internet connectivity.
SERAP maintained that transparency and accountability in the management of the USPF are essential to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians.
“Ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of USPF funds is therefore not only a matter of financial probity but also a critical step toward safeguarding and promoting the human rights and dignity of all Nigerians,” the organisation stated.
The group gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations, warning that it would consider legal action if no response is received within the timeframe.
SERAP also cited constitutional provisions and international anti-corruption conventions, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, which require Nigeria to investigate corruption allegations and ensure accountability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
