‘FG not aware of $875m arms deal’
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it is not aware of any $875million ammunition deal with the United States of America, which is being purportedly blocked by some lawmakers in that country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the purported ammunition deal reported in some sections of the media as “fake news.”
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday, the minister said there was no contract of such nature and sum between Nigeria and the US.
“There is no contract of arms between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America today, apart from the 12 Super Tucano attack helicopters, of which six have been delivered.
“We are quite satisfied with the progress and cooperation we received from the government of the US on this issue.
“As a matter of fact, six of the Tucano helicopters will be launched on August 3 this year.
“We are not aware of the so-called $875 million US arms contract or some helicopters, which they said some lawmakers in the US are trying to persuade the president of the US not to honour.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the US is smooth and waxing stronger,’’ he said.
The reports in some sections of the media had claimed that influential US lawmakers were masterminding a hold on a proposed sale of ammunition and attack helicopters to Nigeria over allegations of human rights abuses and anti-democratic actions of the present administration.
The report listed the blocked proposed sale to include 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, accompanied by defence systems, 28 helicopter engines produced by GE Aviation and 14 military-grade aircraft navigation systems made by Honeywell.
When contacted via email yesterday, spokesperson of US State Department, Daniel Binder said: “As matter of policy, the Department does not publicly comment on or confirm details of proposed defense transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress.
“Nigeria is a strategic partner of the United States, and we provide a range of assistance to the Nigerian security forces, including defense equipment, advisors, training, and related support activities. U.S. security cooperation seeks to help Nigeria build capable, wellequipped, professional, accountable security forces that effectively respond to threats, protect civilians, and respect human rights.”