“₦26.9 Billion Missing?” — SERAP Gives Tinubu 7-Day Ultimatum Over Explosive USPF Fund Scandal
Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s public finances after the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) accused officials linked to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of allegedly mismanaging or diverting a staggering ₦26.9 billion meant to improve digital access across Nigeria.
Now, the anti-corruption organization is threatening legal action against the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu if urgent steps are not taken within seven days.
The allegations, reportedly drawn from the Auditor-General’s findings, have triggered serious public concern because the USPF was created to help underserved and rural communities gain access to telecommunications and internet infrastructure.
Instead, according to SERAP, billions may have vanished into questionable expenditures, irregular contracts, and payments for services allegedly never rendered.
And the details are raising eyebrows nationwide.
Among the allegations are claims that over ₦13.8 billion in operating surplus was not remitted over several years, while millions were reportedly spent on international training during the COVID-19 lockdown without supporting documents or proof of participation.
SERAP also questioned contracts worth billions allegedly awarded without proper approvals and payments reportedly made to a “non-existent fund manager.”
Even more troubling are claims that over ₦6.4 billion was allegedly spent on projects not captured in approved budgets, alongside hundreds of millions paid to consultants without evidence that the projects were completed.
For many Nigerians, the scandal cuts deeper than missing money.
The USPF was meant to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by improving internet access in neglected communities. Critics now argue that any diversion of such funds directly affects education, healthcare access, digital opportunities, and economic development for millions of citizens.
SERAP insists the matter is not only about corruption but also about human rights and social justice.
The organization has now demanded that the Presidency, the Attorney General, anti-corruption agencies, and the Ministry of Communications investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable if sufficient evidence exists.
But as public outrage grows, many Nigerians are again asking difficult questions about accountability in government institutions.
At a time when citizens are already battling inflation, hardship, and economic uncertainty, fresh allegations involving billions in public funds may further deepen distrust in public governance.
Now, attention turns to the Presidency.
Will the Tinubu administration order a full investigation—or will this become another scandal swallowed by silence?
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