Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum
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, describing the claims as misleading and based on an administrative error.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman A. Tar, the government said a review conducted with relevant ministries and agencies confirmed that no rail construction project was approved, funded, or executed during the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the government, investigations involving the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other stakeholders in the procurement process revealed that no official steps were taken toward the execution of any rail project within the period under review.
“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 Borno State Government wishes to state categorically that no rail construction project was awarded, funded, or executed by the Government during the 2025 fiscal year,” the statement said.
The government further explained that there was no Executive Council approval, budget clearance, contract award, or release of funds for any rail project in the state during the period.
“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 added.
Prof. Tar noted that projects of such magnitude are subject to established procedures, including proposal submission, approval by the Executive Council, budgetary clearance, contract award, and eventual release of funds.
“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,” he stated.
The government attributed the controversy to an erroneous entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, which reportedly listed a rail project as having been fully completed.
“It was however noted that the inclusion of rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, indicating 100 percent 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,” the statement said.
The commissioner disclosed that relevant stakeholders have been engaged to correct the records and prevent a recurrence of similar errors in the future.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process in the management of public funds, while commending citizens and civil society groups for their vigilance in promoting good governance.
“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,” the statement concluded.
