The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has dismissed reports claiming it allocated ₦140 million in its 2026 budget for the rehabilitation of Emir Palaces and Mosques in Kaduna State, describing the allegations as false, misleading and a misrepresentation of its approved budget.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon.
According to the Ministry, the budget items referenced in the reports do not belong to its headquarters but are contained in 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 explained that several unrelated projects captured in the College’s budget had been wrongly attributed to it, creating the false impression that it had earmarked funds for projects outside its statutory responsibilities.
“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that these reports are false, misleading and do not accurately represent the Ministry’s 2026 budget,” the statement said.
It stressed that the College’s budget is distinct from that of the Ministry and should not be interpreted as reflecting the Ministry’s programmes, priorities or expenditure.
The Ministry urged media organisations, the public and other stakeholders to distinguish between the budgets of government ministries and those of their agencies and institutions before drawing conclusions or publishing reports.
While acknowledging public interest in budget transparency, it reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The Ministry added that it would continue to strengthen coordination with agencies under its supervision to ensure budget proposals are aligned with their mandates and communicated more clearly to the public.
It also advised journalists and media organisations to verify budgetary information with relevant government authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
“We encourage journalists and media houses to actively verify data with relevant official Government sources and seek necessary clarifications prior to publication. This collaborative approach ensures the public receives accurate, verified reporting while preventing the spread of misleading information,” the statement added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in budget implementation and responsible public communication.
