We’re Not Aware Of $875m Ammunition Deal With US – Lai Mohammed

The Federal Government claims it is unaware of any $875 million ammunition contract with the United States that is allegedly being blocked by some US lawmakers.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, called the alleged ammunition deal reported in some sectors of the media “false news.”

The minister told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday that no contract of this nature or value existed between Nigeria and the United States.

“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 helicopter will be launched on Aug. 3, this year.

“We are not aware of the so called 875million USD 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.

According to claims in some parts of the media, key US lawmakers were orchestrating a halt to a planned sale of ammunition and attack helicopters to Nigeria due to suspicions of human rights violations and anti-democratic measures by the current administration.

According to the article, the prohibited proposed sale included 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters with defense systems, 28 GE Aviation helicopter engines, and 14 Honeywell military-grade aircraft navigation systems. (NAN)