The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently investigate 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 SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to explain the whereabouts of the funds.
SERAP also requested that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef bemi, alongside anti corruption agencies, launch a thorough investigation into the allegations and prosecute anyone found responsible if sufficient evidence is elished.
According to SERAP, the allegations were documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor General of the Federation in September 2025. The organization stated that the alleged missing funds involve unaccounted expenditures, failure to remit public money, irregular contract awards, and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
SERAP warned that any diversion of resources from the Universal Service Provision Fund threatens efforts to expand telecommunications infrastructure and internet connectivity in underserved and rural communities across Nigeria.
The organization emphasized that poor internet access affects several fundamental rights including freedom of expression, access to information, education, healthcare, and economic participation. It argued that millions of Nigerians remain excluded from digital opportunities due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of accountability in the management of public resources.
SERAP further stated that the failure to properly manage the fund deepens inequality and limits civic participation for vulnerable populations who depend heavily on public digital infrastructure projects.
The group gave the Federal Government seven days to take action or face possible legal proceedings aimed at compelling the Nigerian Communications Commission and the USPF to comply with demands for transparency and accountability.
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