Rights Group Asks Tinubu To Investigate N26.9bn USPF Fraud

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

SERAP also called on the president to instruct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, to account for the whereabouts of the missing funds.

The organisation further asked the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to examine the allegations and prosecute those responsible.

In a letter dated 9 May 2026, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stated that mismanagement of funds meant to expand telecom access in underserved areas endangers national efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide.

SERAP warned that if these funds are not recovered, millions of Nigerians could lose access to the internet, education, healthcare information, financial services, and participation in the digital economy.

The organisation maintained that diverting public funds from the USPF impacts millions, particularly those in rural areas who depend on it for improved telecom services.

It stressed that internet access is essential for free expression, education, economic development, and public service delivery.

SERAP has given the government a seven-day deadline to respond, or face potential legal action.

It insisted that transparency in managing the USPF is vital for accountability and for safeguarding the digital rights and welfare of Nigerians who rely on these services.

The 2022 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, released on 9 September 2025, revealed several financial irregularities within the USPF, including unaccounted expenditures, contract breaches, suspicious payments, and failure to remit government revenue.

The report also indicated that N13.8 billion in operating surplus was not remitted between 2016 and 2019, suggesting potential misappropriation of funds.

The USPF allegedly spent N11.7 million on international training during COVID-19 without supporting documentation such as invitation letters, invoices, or certificates.

The organisation also accused the agency of awarding contracts worth N2.8 billion without proper approval or records. There are doubts about an N8 million payment to a non-existent fund manager, and over N6.4 billion was reportedly spent on connectivity projects outside the approved 2020 budget.

Additionally, N2.8 billion was spent from January to May 2021 without proper records. Other issues include failure to remit over N300 million in stamp duties, failure to deduct more than N144 million in withholding tax, and N391 million paid to consultants without proof of project completion.