May 10, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding urgent action over allegations of missing or mismanaged ₦26.9 billion from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
The organisation is calling for a full investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani, as well as the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe.
SERAP also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to immediately probe the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, with any missing funds recovered and returned to the national treasury.
In a letter dated May 9, 2026, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare warned that failure to act within seven days would force the organisation to take legal steps against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the USPF.
According to SERAP, the allegations are based on findings contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s report dated September 9, 2025, which raised serious concerns about financial irregularities within the fund.
The report allegedly revealed cases of unremitted operating surpluses, undocumented expenditures, questionable foreign training payments, and contract awards without proper approvals.
Among the findings were claims that over ₦13.8 billion in operating surplus was not remitted between 2016 and 2019, alongside billions spent on projects and consultancy services without adequate documentation or evidence of execution.
SERAP warned that continued inaction could worsen Nigeria’s digital divide, especially in rural communities that depend on the USPF for telecommunications infrastructure and internet access.
The organisation stressed that accountability in managing the fund is essential not only for financial transparency but also for protecting citizens’ rights to information, education, and economic opportunities.
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