₦26.9 Billion Scandal Rocks Presidency As SERAP Demands Immediate Probe

SERAP urged the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to provide a full account of the funds and clarify their whereabouts.

The organisation also asked the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside anti-corruption agencies, to urgently investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable where sufficient evidence exists.

SERAP made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday, May 10, 2026, through its official website and social media platforms. It insisted that any missing funds should be fully recovered and returned to the public treasury.

According to SERAP, the allegations were contained in the latest report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.

In a letter dated May 9, 2026, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group stressed that the USPF plays a critical role in expanding telecommunications access to underserved and rural communities across Nigeria.

The organisation warned that any misuse of the fund would weaken efforts to close the digital gap and deny millions of Nigerians access to essential communication infrastructure.

SERAP stated that the allegations pointed to serious concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, citing claims of unaccounted expenditures, irregular contract awards, unremitted funds and payments for services allegedly not rendered.

The group gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to take action or face legal proceedings aimed at compelling compliance.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report revealed that the USPF allegedly failed to disclose a domiciliary dollar account and denied auditors access to its records.

The report also alleged that the fund failed to remit ₦13.8 billion, representing 25 per cent of its operating surplus between 2016 and 2019, raising fears that the money may have been diverted.

SERAP further alleged that the USPF claimed to have spent ₦11.7 million on international training during the COVID-19 lockdown period without supporting documents such as invitations, invoices or proof of participation.

The organisation also cited claims that contracts worth more than ₦2.8 billion were awarded without proper approvals or procurement records.

Additionally, SERAP alleged that the USPF paid ₦8 million to a non-existent fund manager, while another ₦6.4 billion was reportedly spent on projects not captured in the approved 2020 budget.

The group also accused the agency of making undocumented payments exceeding ₦2.8 billion between January and May 2021 and failing to remit statutory deductions, including stamp duties and withholding taxes running into hundreds of millions of naira.

SERAP said the Auditor-General also questioned over ₦391 million allegedly paid to consultants without evidence that projects were completed or services delivered.

The organisation maintained that any diversion or mismanagement of USPF resources would negatively affect internet access, digital inclusion and access to critical services such as education, healthcare information and financial services, especially in rural communities.

SERAP added that the Federal Government has a constitutional and international obligation to prevent corruption, ensure accountability and use public resources for the welfare and development of Nigerians.