By:Abdullahi Inuwa
The Borno State Government has dismissed reports alleging that it spent ₦4 billion on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area without any visible work on the ground, describing the claim as false and the result of an administrative error.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman A. Tar, the government clarified that no rail construction project was awarded, funded, or executed by the state during the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the government, a comprehensive review involving the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other relevant agencies confirmed that no Executive Council approval was sought or granted for any rail project. It further stated that no budget clearance was requested, no contract was awarded, and no funds were released for such a project within the period under review.
The government explained that projects of such magnitude are subject to strict procedures, including formal proposals, Executive Council approval, budget clearance, contract awards, and fund releases, none of which occurred in relation to any rail line project in 2025.
Addressing concerns raised by the appearance of a rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report showing 100 percent completion, the government admitted that the inclusion was an administrative mistake that did not reflect reality, stressing that the project was neither executed nor paid for.
Prof. Tar disclosed that relevant stakeholders have been engaged to correct the records and prevent a recurrence of similar lapses in the future.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the Borno State Government commended citizens, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders for their vigilance in promoting good governance and safeguarding public resources.
The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny over government spending and underscores the state’s determination to ensure accurate public records and responsible management of taxpayers’ funds.
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