The Borno State Government has admitted that the inclusion of a N4bn rail project in its 2025 Budget Implementation Report was an administrative error, following concerns raised by a civic accountability organisation over the reported execution of the project.

The clarification followed a report by Tracka, published on June 15, which questioned the state’s claim that N2bn was spent on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and another N2bn in Jere Local Government Area, with both projects listed as 100 per cent completed.

According to Tracka, field visits conducted in May 2026 found no evidence of recently executed rail construction or rehabilitation works in the affected areas.

The organisation said it observed old and deteriorating rail infrastructure at the Maiduguri Railway Terminus and along rail corridors in MMC and Jere LGAs.

“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 said.

Responding in a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said an internal review conducted by relevant ministries confirmed that no rail project was awarded, funded or executed by the state government during the 2025 fiscal year.

The statement read, “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 (N4,000,000,000) was spent on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area without any evidence of execution on the ground.

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

Tar said consultations with the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other relevant agencies showed there was no record of any rail construction project undertaken by the state government within the period under review.

He added that no Executive Council approval was sought or obtained for any rail project, no budget clearance was requested, no contract was awarded, and no funds were released for such a project.

“For the avoidance of doubt, projects of this nature must follow established due process, including formal proposal, Executive Council approval, budget clearance, contract award, and subsequent release of funds.

“None of these procedures were initiated or concluded in relation to any rail line project during the 2025 fiscal year.

“It was, however, noted that the inclusion of rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, indicating 100 per cent completion, was an administrative error and does not reflect the true position of the matter as the said project was neither executed nor paid for,” it added.

Tar said steps were being taken to correct the records and prevent a recurrence.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, due process and accountability in the management of public resources.

“The government also appreciate the vigilance of citizens, civil society organisations, and stakeholders in promoting good governance and public accountability,” it added. (The PUNCH)

Update news