ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu’s administration has addressed the public’s concerns regarding the provision for what was termed the “presidential yacht” in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation presented to the National Assembly.
According to the statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the clarification is aimed to clear up any misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding this budget.
The release explained that the “Presidential Yacht” mentioned in the budget is, in fact, an operational naval boat equipped with specialized security gadgets designed for high-profile operational inspections.
It is referred to as a “presidential yacht” primarily due to the extensive security features it possesses, which are essential for safeguarding national interests.
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The statement partly read, “What was named as Presidential Yacht in the budget is an Operational Naval boat with specialized security gadgets suitable for high profile operational inspection and not for the use of the President. It is called presidential yacht by way of nomenclature because of the high level security features.
“The Naval boat was ordered by the navy under the previous administration. President Tinubu has consistently said that government is a continuum as he inherited both assets and liabilities of past administrations.
“The payment request for the boat was part of the committed obligation submitted by the office of the Chief of Naval Staff to the Ministry of Defence. The total of the submitted requests was in excess of N200 billion out which N62 billion was approved by the President.“
It noted that the administration is committed to securing Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly in the oil and gas, marine, and blue economy sectors.
Onanuga said that President Tinubu’s vision is to invest more resources to boost economic output and provide a better quality of life for all citizens.
According to the release, President Tinubu’s dedication to addressing economic challenges and ensuring that Nigerians benefit from ongoing reforms, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for the nation’s citizens.