A civil society organization, Public Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (PITI), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding a full-scaled investigation into alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds within the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
The organization alleged that billions of naira earmarked for expanding telecommunications and digital infrastructure in underserved communities may have been mismanaged over the years, despite worsening network failures and poor access to digital services across the country.
In separate petitions addressed to the anti-graft agencies, signed by the Executive Director of DARI, Comrade Lukman Abubakar, PhD, the organization expressed concerned over recent revelations and reports surrounding the alleged disappearance and questionable utilization of about N26.9 billion linked to the USPF, a fund established under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to support universal access to telecommunications services in rural and underserved areas.
The CSO said it was deeply troubling that despite the availability of intervention funds and statutory contributions from telecom operators, millions of Nigerians continue to suffer poor network connectivity, limited broadened penetration and inadequate digital infrastructure.
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Comrade Lukman Abubakar, PhD alleged that individuals linked to the scandal were now “desperately recruiting and sponsoring faceless CSOs and media surrogates to manipulate public perception, intimidate whistleblowers and obliterate traces of alleged fraud in a bid to evade justice”.
According to him, “We have credible information suggesting that some of those implicated are funding diversionary campaigns aimed at frustrating ongoing demands for accountability. This is unacceptable and dangerous for transparency in the telecommunications sector.” transparency in the telecommunications sector.”
The group warned that any attempt to suppress scrutiny or derail investigations would amount to an assault on public accountability and digital rights of Nigerians.
DARI further called the EFCC and ICPC to investigate all contracts, disbursement, procurement processes and expenditures connected to USPF over the past several years, including projects allegedly several years, including projects allegedly abandoned despite huge budgetary allocations.
The organization also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all agencies connected to the telecommunications sector cooperate with investigators to restore public confidence.
“The Nigeria people deserve to know how funds meant to bridge the digital divide were allegedly squandered while citizens continue to endure poor services and exclusion from critical opportunities,” the statement added.
The petitions come amid growing public concern over persistent poor telecom services in the country and increasing calls for accountability within the communication sector.
