Livestock Ministry Denies Inclusion Of N140m For Rehabilitation Of Emir Palaces, Mosques In Its Budget

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The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development(FMLD), has denied the reported inclusion of ₦140 million for the rehabilitation of Emir Palaces and Mosques in Kaduna State, among other unrelated projects, in the Ministry’s budget.

A statement on Saturday issued by Henrietta Okokon, Head, Information and Public Relations, FMLD, clarified that the budgetary provisions being referenced are not contained in the Headquarters Budget of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

Okokon said rather, the budgetary provisions for the rehabilitation of Emir Palaces and Mosques in Kaduna State are contained in the budget of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Plateau State, a self-accounting institution with its own distinct budgetary allocations.

According to the statement, “In addition to the items relating to the rehabilitation of Emir Palaces and Mosques, several other unrelated projects contained in the budget of the College have similarly been incorrectly attributed to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

“This has created the erroneous impression that the Ministry appropriated funds for projects that do not form part of its programmes 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 Ministry recognises the legitimate concerns raised regarding the alignment and clarity of budgetary proposals submitted by institutions under its supervision.

“In line with its commitment to transparency, accountability, effective oversight and prudent management of public resources in accordance with extant Government financial regulations, the Ministry will continue to strengthen coordination with its agencies to ensure that budget proposals are aligned with institutional mandates, clearly articulated, and communicated in a manner that promotes better public understanding.

“As partners in public information, 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.”