The Nigerian presidency has disclaimed ownership of a yacht spotted flying the Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

Reports had surfaced on social media alleging that the yacht, described as a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government,” was being used for vacation in St-Tropez.

Responding to the claims on X, Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, clarified that the yacht in question is privately owned and not associated with the Nigerian government.

Ogra stated, “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 to discern the truth.”

He further explained that the 42-metre Bennetti yacht, currently circulating online, has been privately owned for about 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 not true and inaccurate,” Ogra added.

He also pointed out that luxury yachts often fly the flags of the owner’s country as well as 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,” he concluded.