ADC, NDC Demand Probe Over Borno’s N4bn Rail Project Error

Opposition parties and residents in Borno State have called for an independent investigation into the inclusion of a non-existent N4 billion railway project in the state’s 2025 budget implementation report.

The demands followed an admission by the Borno State Government that the project, which was listed as fully completed in the report, was included in error.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said an internal review confirmed that no railway project was awarded, funded or executed in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council or Jere Local Government Area during the 2025 fiscal year.

According to him, consultations with the Ministry of Budget, the Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other relevant agencies found no evidence that such a project existed.

Tar explained that the inclusion of the railway project in the budget implementation report was an administrative mistake and did not reflect the actual position of the state government.

“It was, however, noted that the inclusion of the 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,” he stated.

Reacting to the disclosure, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Borno State, Aliyu Balarabe, described the incident as a serious accountability issue and called for an investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

“We are not talking about millions but billions of naira. If it is an error, where are the funds?” he asked.

Balarabe urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to conduct an impartial investigation.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress in the state, Baba Mustapha, said the matter should not be ignored because it involved public funds.

Residents also questioned the explanation provided by the government, arguing that the disclosure raised concerns about the credibility of the overall expenditure figures contained in the report.

A resident, Hassan Aminu, said the admission had created doubts about the accuracy of the state’s financial records.

Another resident questioned what happened to the funds associated with the project, insisting that a transparent investigation was necessary.

The controversy continues to generate debate across the state, with opposition parties and residents maintaining that only an independent probe can restore public confidence in the budget process and ensure accountability.