MAIDUGURI, Borno State — The Borno State Government has admitted that the inclusion of a N4 billion rail project in its 2025 Budget Implementation Report was an administrative error, clarifying that no such project was awarded, funded, or executed by the state government during the 2025 fiscal year.
Prof. Usman A. Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, made the clarification in a press statement on Monday, following concerns raised by Tracka, a civic accountability organisation, over the reported execution of the project. Tracka had published a report on June 15 questioning the state’s claim that N2 billion was spent on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and another N2 billion 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. “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.
Tar explained that following internal review and consultations with the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other relevant players in the official procurement process, the government established that no rail construction project was awarded, funded, or executed during the 2025 fiscal year. “It is hereby confirmed 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 any such project within the period under reference,” the statement read.
The commissioner noted that projects of such 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,” Tar said.
“It was however noted that the inclusion of rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, indicating 100% 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,” Tar stated. He added that relevant stakeholders have already been engaged, and steps are being taken to correct the records accordingly, and to forestall future occurrence of this administrative lapse.
“The Borno State Government remains committed 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,” Tar explained.
Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which will leave office in May 2027, has previously announced a 25-year development framework and 10-year strategic transformation initiative to promote sustainable growth and secure the state’s future. The governor has also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling security challenges and completing ongoing capital projects before the end of his tenure.
