Probe alleged missing N26.9bn USPF funds, SERAP tells Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged disappearance and diversion of N26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, following claims contained in the Auditor-General’s report released in 2025.

The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday, asking 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 linked to the communications sector agency.

SERAP also requested that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside anti-corruption agencies, begin a full investigation into the allegations and prosecute anyone found responsible if enough evidence is established during the probe.

According to the group, the allegations were based on findings contained in the Auditor-General’s report published in September 2025. SERAP said the Universal Service Provision Fund plays an important role in improving telecommunications and internet access in rural and underserved communities across the country.

The organisation warned that any diversion or misuse of the funds could affect efforts aimed at improving digital connectivity, infrastructure development and access to communication services for millions of Nigerians, especially people living in remote areas.

SERAP said the reported financial irregularities pointed to problems in public fund management, including allegations of unaccounted spending, failure to remit government funds, irregular contract awards and payments allegedly made for services that were not delivered.

The group noted that failure to investigate the allegations and recover missing funds could affect national development and deny citizens access to important services linked to education, communication and economic activities.

According to SERAP, poor internet access affects more than communication alone, as it also limits access to information, public participation, education and economic opportunities. The organisation added that many Nigerians in underserved communities may continue to face exclusion if the problems surrounding the management of the fund are not addressed.

SERAP also warned that it could begin legal action if the government fails to respond within seven days after receiving its letter dated May 9, 2026, and signed by the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The Auditor-General’s report referenced by SERAP raised concerns over several financial transactions within the agency, including alleged failure to remit more than N13.8 billion in operating surplus. The report also questioned foreign training expenses reportedly incurred during the COVID-19 lockdown period despite restrictions on movement and international travel at the time.

Further allegations in the report included contract awards worth more than N2.8 billion allegedly approved without proper authorisation and an N8 million payment reportedly made to a non-existent fund manager. Concerns were raised that some of the payments may have been made for services that were never provided.

SERAP based its demands on constitutional provisions requiring the government to fight corruption and abuse of office, while also referring to international anti-corruption agreements that support sanctions against financial misconduct involving public funds.