Presidency Denies Ownership Of Luxury Yacht Spotted In France

The Nigerian Presidency has denied that a luxury yacht spotted in St. Tropez, France, flying the Nigerian flag, belong to the federal government.

The vessel said to be worth several millions of dollars does not belong to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency clarified on Saturday, after a viral video claimed that the yatch is owned by the federal government.

The magazine reported that Nigerians were angry following report, early this year, that the administration has purchased a yatch for the use of President Tinubu.

The Presidency had denied the report saying the multi-million dollar vessel was purchased by the Armed Forces during the tenure of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.

But a viral video of a yacht flying the Nigerian flag had sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many questioning the ownership and purpose of the vessel, particularly at the time many Nigerians are passing through serious economic hardship.

Recall also that the administration has come under serious criticism for its alleged profligacy of public resources despite the hostile economic conditions being faced by not a few Nigerians.

However, in a statement released on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, clarified Presidency’s position over the issue.

According to Ogra, the said vessel does not belong to the presidency nor the armed forces, adding that it’s owned by a private concern.

He said the 42-meter Benetti yacht has been privately owned for around five years since its construction. He noted that it is common for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

The statement read in part, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.

“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation.