The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged disappearance and diversion of ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund.
SERAP urged the President to direct key officials in the communications sector to explain the whereabouts of the funds, warning that failure to act could further undermine access to telecommunications and internet services in underserved communities across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation specifically asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, alongside the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the allegedly missing funds.
The group also demanded that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as anti-graft agencies, commence a thorough investigation into the matter and prosecute anyone found culpable.
According to SERAP, the allegations were based on findings contained in the Auditor-General’s report published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated May 9, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the USPF as a critical intervention fund established to improve telecommunications access in rural and underserved areas.
The organisation warned that any diversion of the funds would frustrate efforts aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding infrastructure development across the country.
“The 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,” the group stated.
SERAP stressed that poor internet access affects education, civic participation, economic opportunities, and the exercise of fundamental rights, noting that millions of Nigerians risk being excluded from essential services if accountability is not enforced.
The organisation further argued that transparency in the management of the USPF was not only a financial matter but also a human rights issue.
“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 statement added.
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SERAP warned that it could initiate legal action if the Federal Government fails to respond within seven days.
The Auditor-General’s report referenced by the organisation reportedly raised concerns over the alleged failure to remit more than ₦13.8 billion in operating surplus, suggesting that the funds may have been diverted.
The report also questioned international training expenses incurred during the COVID-19 lockdown period, noting that payments were allegedly made without supporting documents despite travel restrictions at the time.
In addition, the report flagged contract awards worth over ₦2.8 billion allegedly issued without approval, warning that the transactions may have led to loss of public funds.
Other allegations included an ₦8 million payment reportedly made to a non-existent fund manager for services believed not to have been rendered.
SERAP maintained that the Federal Government has a constitutional obligation to tackle corruption and abuse of office, citing both Nigerian laws and international anti-corruption agreements requiring strict sanctions against corruption-related offences.