CSOs urge USPF secretary Tijani to explain the missing N26 billion.

A coalition of 25 civil society organisations has called on the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Yomi Arowosafe, to publicly explain the whereabouts of the N26.9 billion highlighted in the September 2025 Auditor‑General’s report.

The request appears in a communiqué issued on Tuesday, signed by Bilal Galadima and James Ogenyi on behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability, following an emergency meeting in Abuja.

The coalition notes that the Auditor‑General’s annual report raised concerns about the alleged disappearance of “N26.9 billion” in public funds managed by the USPF.

The report allegedly details unaccounted expenditures, unremitted public funds, irregular contract awards and payments for services not rendered, which the coalition says constitute serious breaches of public trust. It demands an immediate, independent and transparent investigation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration into all USPF transactions flagged in the Auditor‑General’s report.

The coalition warned that any failure to address the allegations promptly and transparently would amount to a tacit endorsement of impunity. It announced plans to mobilise Nigerians for a mass protest on Tuesday if the minister and USPF do not account for the alleged missing funds.

The communiqué states, “The Coalition will embark on a mass protest on Tuesday next week (May 19 2026) to express public discontent and demand urgent action on the alleged missing N26.9 billion USPF funds.

“We call on the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Yomi Arowosafe, to publicly account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged N26.9 billion.

“We demand an immediate, independent, and transparent probe into all transactions of the USPF flagged in the auditor‑general’s report.

“Prosecution and Recovery: Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate if there is sufficient admissible evidence. Any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.

“Any failure to address these allegations with urgency and transparency will amount to a tacit endorsement of impunity and a betrayal of Nigerians living in unserved and underserved communities who depend on the USPF mandate.

“The Coalition reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public resources. We shall not relent until justice is served and the integrity of the Universal Service Provision Fund is restored for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the coalition said.

As of the filing of this report, Minister Tijani and Arowosafe have not yet issued an official response to the accusations.