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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), to probe the alleged missing or diverted ₦26.9 billion of public funds from the USPF.
The rights group, in a statement issued on Sunday, urged Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged missing or diverted USPF public funds of ₦ 26.9 billion.
BREAKING: We’ve called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct Dr. Bosun Tijani , Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to account for and explain the whereabouts of the…
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) May 10, 2026
SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a letter dated May 9, 2026, said USPF is critical to expanding telecommunications access in underserved and rural communities across Nigeria, adding that any diversion or mismanagement of USPF’s resources directly undermines efforts to improve internet connectivity.
“Poor access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity directly affects Nigerians’ ability to exercise a range of fundamental human rights. Access to the internet is increasingly recognised as an enabler of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, education, and participation in public affairs,” said Oluwadare.
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SERAP revealed that USPF failed to remit over N13.8 billion, representing 25% of its annual operating surplus between 2016 and 2019.
It also questioned the USPF’s international training expenses during the COVID-19 lockdown, noting that “there was total lockdown… yet, payments were made for these trips without any documents,” and alleging that “the money may have been diverted.”
The civil society organisation (CSO) added that USPF also awarded contracts totalling over N2.8 billion without approval, and that USPF failed to provide the procurement procedures and processes adopted in awarding the contracts, including the contract files.
It further warned that it would take legal action if the issue is not addressed and investigated.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the USPF to comply with our request in the public interest.”
