The Borno State Government has refuted reports alleging that it spent N4 billion on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area during the 2025 fiscal year.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Monday evening, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman A. Tar, the government clarified that no rail project was approved, funded, awarded, or executed within the period under review.
According to the statement, no Executive Council approval was sought, no budget clearance was obtained, and no funds were released for any rail line project in 2025.
The government explained that the inclusion of a rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, which indicated 100 percent completion, resulted from an administrative error and did not reflect the actual situation on the ground.
It added that relevant stakeholders have been engaged to correct the records and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such lapses.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process, and accountability in the management of public resources, while appreciating citizens and civil society groups for their vigilance in promoting good governance.
