The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has dismissed reports alleging it budgeted ₦140 million in its 2026 appropriation for the rehabilitation of Emir palaces and mosques in Kaduna State, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, the Ministry clarified that the controversial budget items are not contained in its headquarters’ 2026 budget.

According to the statement, the provisions being referenced belong to the budget of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Plateau State, a self-accounting institution with separate budgetary allocations.

The Ministry noted that, besides the projects relating to Emir palaces and mosques, several other unrelated items in the college’s budget had also been wrongly attributed to the Ministry, creating the false impression that it allocated funds to projects outside its mandate.

It urged the public, media organisations and other stakeholders to distinguish between the Ministry’s headquarters budget and the independent budgets of agencies and institutions under its supervision before drawing conclusions or publishing reports.

While acknowledging public concerns over the alignment of budget proposals by agencies under its oversight, the Ministry pledged to strengthen coordination to ensure future budget submissions reflect institutional mandates and are presented with greater clarity.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources in line with extant government financial regulations.

It also called on journalists and media organisations to verify budget information with relevant government authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation. (Guardian)

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