By Hosea Parah, Abuja
In response to public concerns and reactions regarding the inclusion of a presidential yacht and other line items in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation presented to the National Assembly, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has provided clarifications to address any misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the issue.
This was contained in statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy on Thursday in Abuja. According to the statement, President Tinubu’s administration acknowledges and respects the views of Nigerians on matters of public concern and considers it vital to provide transparency and clarity on the matter.
“it is important to note that the item referred to as the “Presidential Yacht” in the budget is, in fact, an Operational Naval boat equipped with specialized security gadgets suitable for high-profile operational inspections. The boat is named as such due to its advanced security features”.
Furthermore, it is clarified that the Naval boat was ordered by the navy under the previous administration. President Tinubu has consistently emphasized that government is a continuum, inheriting both assets and liabilities from past administrations.
The statement stressed that regarding the payment request for the boat, it was part of the committed obligations submitted by the office of the Chief of Naval Staff to the Ministry of Defence. The total amount of the submitted requests exceeded N200 billion, out of which President Tinubu approved N62 billion.
The statement further explained that, President Tinubu’s primary focus is on securing the country and its territorial waters. Under his leadership, the Federal Government is investing additional resources to enhance economic output in sectors such as oil and gas, marine, and the blue economy.
“It is emphasized that President Tinubu and his administration are fully aware of the economic challenges faced by the masses. They are diligently working to confront and overcome these challenges. The ongoing reforms are expected to yield significant benefits, leading to a thriving economy and an improved quality of life for all citizens”.
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s administration has provided these clarifications to address public concerns regarding the inclusion of a “Presidential Yacht” in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation. The intention behind the procurement of the Operational Naval boat is to enhance national security and protect Nigeria’s maritime assets. The government remains committed to addressing the economic challenges faced by the people and implementing reforms that will lead to a better future for all.