A coalition of 25 civil society organizations has demanded that Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Yomi Arowosafe, explain what happened to ₦26.9 billion that a September 2025 Auditor-General report flagged as missing or unaccounted for.
Key takeaways
- 25 civil society groups are calling for a public accounting of ₦26.9 billion linked to the USPF.
- The demand follows concerns raised in a September 2025 Auditor-General report.
- The coalition alleges issues including unaccounted spending, unremitted public funds, irregular contract awards and payments for work not delivered.
- It is urging an immediate, independent and transparent probe covering all USPF transactions flagged by the Auditor-General.
- Groups warn that inaction or lack of transparency would be treated as a sign of tolerated impunity.
CSO coalition raises concerns over USPF spending
The request is contained in a communiqué signed on Tuesday in Abuja by Bilal Galadima and James Ogenyi on behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability. The document came after the coalition held an emergency meeting in the Nigerian capital.
In its communiqué, the coalition said the Auditor-General’s annual report published by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation raised serious questions about the alleged disappearance of ₦26.9 billion from public funds associated with the USPF.
The civil society groups said the report pointed to multiple control and governance failures, including expenditures that were not properly accounted for, public funds that were allegedly not remitted, contract awards described as irregular, and payments for services that it claims were not actually rendered. The coalition argued that these findings amount to breaches of public trust and therefore require prompt action.
Threat of mass protest; probe and recovery demanded
The coalition warned that unless the allegations are addressed with urgency and openness, it would effectively amount to an endorsement of impunity. It also said any delay would betray Nigerians in communities described as unserved or underserved that rely on the USPF mandate.
To press its demands, the coalition said it will organise a mass protest on Tuesday next week, May 19, 2026, to express public anger and insist on immediate steps regarding the alleged missing ₦26.9 billion.
The communiqué specifically called on Dr Bosun Tijani and Yomi Arowosafe to publicly account for and clarify the whereabouts of the alleged funds. It also demanded an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into all USPF transactions flagged in the Auditor-General’s report.
It further stated that individuals suspected of responsibility should face prosecution where there is sufficient admissible evidence, and that any missing or diverted public money should be fully recovered and returned to the treasury.
The coalition said it remains committed to transparency and accountability, adding that it will continue to campaign until justice is served and the integrity of the USPF is restored for Nigerians.
As of the time the report was filed, Minister Tijani and Arowosafe had not issued an official response to the allegations.
