Yacht in Budget Designated as Naval Boat, Not for Tinubu’s Personal Use – Presidency Clarifies

The presidency has clarified that the yacht mentioned in the 2023 supplementary budget is not intended for President Bola Tinubu’s personal use but is actually a naval boat equipped with high-level security features for operational purposes.

Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga stated that despite its nomenclature as a “Presidential Yacht” in the budget, it is specifically a naval vessel with specialized security equipment designed for crucial operational inspections.

This clarification was made in response to criticisms raised by Nigerians regarding the government’s decision to allocate funds for such a purchase amidst the country’s challenging economic conditions.

Onanuga further emphasized that the boat was initially ordered by the navy during the previous administration and that the current government, continuing the obligations from prior administrations, had approved a portion of the total payment request submitted by the Chief of Naval Staff.

President Tinubu’s administration, according to Onanuga, remains dedicated to fortifying the security of the nation’s waterways and investing resources to bolster economic outputs from various sectors, including the marine and blue economy.