By Muhammad Mamman
The Government of Yobe State has firmly denied reports alleging that it earmarked N398bn for a Ramadan feeding programme, describing the claim as “entirely false, misleading and politically motivated”.
In a statement issued on Monday in Damaturu, the state capital, officials said no such amount was budgeted or approved for any Ramadan-related welfare initiative, urging the public to disregard what it called “fabricated figures” circulating online.
The controversy followed a report suggesting that the state government had allocated N398bn to feed residents during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a claim that quickly gained traction on social media and sparked public debate over government spending priorities.
A spokesperson for the state government said the figure being quoted does not appear in the state’s approved budget and bears no relation to its fiscal plans.
“At no point did the government propose, approve or release N398bn for Ramadan feeding or any similar programme,” the statement read. “The report is a gross distortion of facts and should be treated as misinformation.”
The government added that while it routinely implements targeted social intervention programmes, particularly during periods of economic hardship and religious observances, such initiatives are conducted within the limits of its approved budget and in line with due process.
Officials also called on media organisations to verify information with relevant authorities before publication, warning that the spread of inaccurate financial claims could undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension.
Yobe, one of Nigeria’s northeastern states, has in recent years prioritised humanitarian support and reconstruction efforts following years of armed conflict that displaced thousands of residents.
The state government reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in public finance management, saying detailed budgetary provisions are publicly available for scrutiny.
It urged residents to rely on official channels for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified reports.
