Borno admits N4bn rail project entry in budget report was error

The Borno State Government has acknowledged an administrative error in its 2025 Budget Implementation Report, which included a N4 billion rail project. This clarification came after the civic accountability organization Tracka questioned the reported execution of the project.

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There was no visible evidence of recently completed rail construction or rehabilitation works, no active construction sites, no contractor presence, and no project signage indicating that N4 billion worth of projects had been executed.

Tracka's report on June 15 highlighted concerns over the state's claim of spending N2 billion each on rail projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, both listed as 100 percent complete. However, Tracka's field visits in May 2026 found no evidence of recent rail construction or rehabilitation work in the specified areas. The organization observed old, deteriorating rail infrastructure and noted the absence of active construction sites, contractor presence, or project signage.

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The attention of the Borno State Government has been drawn to recent reports circulating in the public space alleging that the sum of Four Billion Naira (₦4,000,000,000) was spent on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area without any evidence of execution on the ground.

Responding to the allegations, Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated that an internal review by relevant ministries confirmed that no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed by the state government during the 2025 fiscal year. He emphasized that projects of this magnitude require formal proposals, Executive Council approval, budget clearance, contract awards, and fund releases, none of which were initiated or concluded for any rail line project in 2025. The government stressed its commitment to transparency and providing accurate public information.

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The Government considers it necessary to clarify the matter in the interest of transparency, accountability, and providing the public with accurate information.