Livestock Ministry Budgets N140m for Rehabilitation of Emir Palaces, Mosques in Kaduna

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has allocated N140 million for the construction and rehabilitation of emir palaces and mosques in Kaduna State, according to details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The allocation, obtained from the approved budget, is listed under the ministry’s headquarters capital projects despite having no direct connection to livestock development or the ministry’s core mandate.

Budget documents show that the N140 million is earmarked for the “construction and rehabilitation of emir palaces and mosque(s) in Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency, Kaduna State.”

The project is among several constituency-related allocations captured in the ministry’s 2026 capital budget.

Further examination of the budget revealed that the ministry also allocated N2.1 billion for the construction of schools for students in rural farming communities across the South-West geopolitical zone.

The ministry equally proposed N700 million each for the construction of rural roads serving farming communities in Anambra and Ogun states.

Another N595 million was set aside for the procurement and distribution of grains to vulnerable communities across the South-East as part of social support interventions.

In Imo State, the budget provides N490 million for the construction of rural farm roads aimed at improving access to agricultural communities.

The ministry also allocated N350 million for the supply of medical equipment to primary healthcare centres in Yala, Ogoja, Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

Other allocations include N210 million for the construction of a multipurpose hall, sports and event centre in the Ifeanyi Ubah Senatorial District.

Another N210 million was budgeted for the purchase and supply of hospital equipment to healthcare facilities in the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue State.

The ministry further proposed N175 million for the purchase of medical equipment in Idanre Federal Constituency, Ondo State.

In addition, N70 million was earmarked for the renovation of nurses’ quarters in Ojobo Community, Burutu Federal Constituency of Delta State.

The inclusion of these projects under the Ministry of Livestock Development has drawn attention because many of the allocations relate to healthcare, education, religious facilities and community infrastructure rather than livestock production, animal husbandry or agricultural value-chain development.

The ministry has yet to publicly explain the rationale for funding the projects through its budget or how they align with its statutory responsibilities.