The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the alleged diversion or mismanagement of ₦26.9 billion at the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
The allegations stem from the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report, published in September 2025, which highlights systemic financial failures and breaches of public trust within the agency. SERAP has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to initiate a probe and begin recovery efforts before the organization considers legal action.
SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized that access to the internet is an enabler of fundamental human rights, and the failure to ensure accountability for these funds risks perpetuating inequality for marginalized groups.
SERAP further highlights that the USPF is mandated to bridge the digital divide, meaning that any mismanagement of these funds directly deprives rural and underserved communities of essential telecommunications infrastructure. The organization argues that the failure to account for these resources violates Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the government to abolish all corrupt practices.
Transparency concerns have also been raised regarding allegations that the USPF maintained a hidden dollar account to obstruct financial oversight by the Auditor-General. Consequently, SERAP is calling on the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to immediately account for the missing funds and prosecute those responsible where evidence exists.
The organization requires that all diverted funds be fully recovered and remitted to the public treasury to safeguard the national interest.