Opposition parties and residents in Borno State call for an independent investigation after an alleged non-existent ₦4 billion railway project is listed in the state’s 2025 budget implementation report. The controversy follows an admission by the Borno State Government that the project was included in error and was shown as “100% completed.” Borno State’s information and internal security commissioner, Usman Tar, says no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council or Jere Local Government Area during the fiscal year.
Opposition groups, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Africa Democratic Congress, reject the explanation and question how such a large amount could appear in the report. They urge anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC to investigate and to clarify whether any funds were actually allocated or spent. Residents express similar skepticism, arguing that an alleged administrative mistake involving billions of naira raises broader concerns about the accuracy and credibility of the state’s reported expenditures.
