365Daily gathered that the accessories and other components of the yacht had already been delivered to Nigeria, following the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari for its purchase.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Following public outcry, the Senate has rejected the purchase of the N5.095 billion presidential yacht as proposed in the 2023 supplementary budget submitted to the National Assembly for approval.
The Red Chamber on Thursday approved the request for the supplementary budget after amending it.
The news of the request for the purchase of the yacht by the office of the Chief of Naval Staff, through the Ministry of Defence, had generated backlash as Nigerians queried the need for such a huge expenditure amidst high poverty levels and hardship among citizens
365Daily gathered that the accessories and other components of the yacht had already been delivered to Nigeria, following the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari for its purchase. The total of the submitted requests was in excess of N200 billion, out of which not more than N62 billion was approved by the ex-president.
Sequel to a meeting between the Senate Committee on Navy chaired by Gbenga Daniel, at a meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on Thursday, the proposed purchase of the presidential yacht was expunged.
It was replaced with a provision for critical equipment to support operational efforts against oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalisation. In addition, funds were moved to student loan.