Livestock Ministry denies budgeting ₦140m for Kaduna emir palaces, mosques

By Philippine Duru

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The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has dismissed reports alleging that it budgeted ₦140 million in its 2026 budget 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 said the reports, which have circulated in sections of the media and on social media, misrepresented its 2026 budget.

According to the ministry, the budgetary provisions being cited are not contained in its headquarters’ budget but belong to the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Plateau State, a self-accounting institution with its own separate budget.

The ministry explained that, besides the allocations for the rehabilitation of Emir palaces and mosques, several other unrelated projects in the college’s budget had also been wrongly attributed to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

It said the mix-up created the false impression that the ministry had appropriated funds for projects outside its mandate and priorities.

“The Ministry therefore urges members of the public, media organisations and other stakeholders to distinguish between the budget of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the separate budgets of its agencies and institutions before drawing conclusions or publishing reports,” the statement said.

While acknowledging concerns over the alignment and clarity of budget proposals submitted by agencies under its supervision, the ministry said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

It added that efforts would be intensified to strengthen coordination with its agencies to ensure that future budget proposals are consistent with their institutional mandates, clearly articulated and better communicated to the public.

The ministry also appealed to journalists and media organisations to verify budget information with relevant government authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure accurate public reporting.