FG Speaks On $875m Arms Deal Reportedly Blocked By US Lawmakers

The Federal Government has stated that it is unaware of the $875 million weaponry agreement with the United States, which was apparently thwarted by some US legislators.

Top US legislators have reportedly stopped a proposed sale of 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and associated defense equipment to the Nigerian military due to human rights concerns, according to Foreign Policy.

According to the article, the proposed arms deal included 28 GE Aviation helicopter engines, 14 Honeywell military-grade aircraft navigation systems, and 2,000 advanced precision kill weapon systems laser-guided rocket rounds.

Apart from the 12 Super Tucano attack helicopters, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed told NAN on Friday that there is no armaments contract between the US and Nigeria.

According to Mohammed, the relationship between Nigeria and the United States is seamless and growing stronger.

He said: “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 had been delivered.

“We are quite satisfied with the progress and cooperation that 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 $875million 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.”