The plan by the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to purchase a presidential yacht worth N5 billion has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who have condemned the move as wasteful and insensitive.
The plan was revealed in the 2023 Supplementary Budget, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday and submitted to the National Assembly for speedy consideration and approval.
The budget shows that the Nigerian Navy will require N62.8 billion for its operations, out of which N5 billion will be used to buy a presidential yacht.
The presidential yacht is a luxury vessel that is used by the president and other dignitaries for official and leisure purposes. It is usually equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and security features.
However, many Nigerians have expressed their displeasure over the plan, saying that it is unnecessary and extravagant at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, such as high inflation, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and debt.
Some Nigerians took to social media to mock and criticize the Tinubu government for planning to buy a presidential yacht, while others called for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
See some of the reactions below.
@General_Oluchi wrote: “BATidiots are wailing in the comments after Premium Times reported that Tinubu is planning to buy a presidential yacht.”
@TokunboAdesina wrote: “It’s much better to be mute than say the Presidential yacht belongs to the navy or acts as a military vessel.”
@Mindset_Post wrote: “Tinubu budgeted N5 billion for a yacht, While the person planning to teach Peter Obi a lesson is waiting for a Bus at Ojota Bus Stop.”
@imohumoren wrote: “One of the poorest countries in the world (currently) having a budget for a Presidential Yacht? The clouds you see over Nigeria are made from cocaine dust.”
@n6oflife6 wrote: “Dear @officialABAT, I totally support your Purchase of a “NATIONAL YACHT” Up next, pls buy a Space Rocket. It’s your L’okan. Ronu Baby.”
@aku_buo wrote: “I just got my 10bn yacht now. Navigating towards Yoruba Ronu kingdom to teach Peter Obi a lesson. They must stand on that mandate.”
@Morris_Monye wrote: “13.5bn to renovate Aso-villa for few persons. 5bn for Presidential Yacht for a few persons. 5bn for Student loans of almost 1m students. Omo!”
@FinPlanKaluAja1 wrote: “Your total revenues can’t pay your salaries or debt, yet you are buying a yacht. To impress who? An absolute joke. This is the muppet show.”
@sp_OJOAGBA wrote: “President Yacht, these olodo and their fellows like Brymo, Seyi Tinubu, Kudus, Nigeria Navy are happy for the Yacht. Hope you are still standing a bi hunger don bend una leg?”
