The Borno State chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have called for an independent investigation into the alleged inclusion of a non-existent N4 billion railway project in the state’s 2025 Budget Implementation Report.

The opposition parties made the demand following a statement issued on Monday by the Borno State Government admitting that the inclusion of the railway project—listed as 100 per cent completed—was an administrative error.

In the statement, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said an internal review by relevant ministries confirmed that no railway project was awarded, funded or executed by the state government during the 2025 fiscal year in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area.

According to Tar, consultations with the Ministry of Budget, Ministry of Transport and Energy, and other relevant agencies showed there was no record of any railway construction project undertaken by the state government within the period under review.

“The attention of the Borno State Government has been drawn to reports alleging that the sum of N4 billion was spent on railway construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area without any evidence of execution,” the statement read.

“It was, however, noted that the inclusion of the railway project in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, indicating 100 per cent completion, was an administrative error and does not reflect the true position, as the project was neither executed nor paid for.”

Reacting to the government’s explanation, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the state, Aliyu Balarabe, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct what he described as a transparent and impartial investigation.

“We see this as a serious issue of accountability and transparency. There is no way an error involving N4 billion should occur in a state budget. If it was truly an error, then the government must clearly explain how it happened and account for the figures involved,” he said.

Balarabe further urged the anti-graft agencies to carry out an objective investigation into the matter.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the ADC in Borno State, Baba Ahmed Mustapha, described the incident as unfortunate and insisted that the matter should not be swept under the carpet.

“It is unfortunate. We read that N4 billion was budgeted for a railway project in our state, yet there is no evidence of such a project. This money belongs to the public, and there should be a thorough investigation,” he said.

Some residents also questioned the government’s explanation, arguing that the matter deserved a comprehensive probe.

A resident of Maiduguri, Hassan Aminu, called for a review of the state’s expenditure figures.

“If the government admits that the inclusion of the N4 billion railway project was an administrative error, how can the public be certain that other figures in the budget implementation report are accurate?” he asked.

However, a public affairs and policy analyst, Abubakar Kareto, commended the state government for responding promptly to the controversy.

“I acknowledge the swift response by the Borno State Government. It demonstrates administrative transparency and a willingness to be held accountable,” he said.

Kareto urged members of the public and civil society organisations to seek official clarification from relevant government agencies before drawing conclusions.

“While civic groups play an important role in monitoring public expenditure, conclusions should be based on adequate policy research. Railway construction is a major infrastructure project that requires federal approvals and oversight, making it difficult to conceal or falsify,” he said.

He also advised journalists, researchers and public affairs analysts to engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) for clarification before publishing reports that could mislead the public.