By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has denied knowledge about an $875 million ammunition deal with the United States which is being purportedly blocked by some lawmakers in that country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, who described the purported ammunition deal reported in some sections of the media as fake news.
While commenting on the issue with some newsmen on Friday, 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 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 August 3, this year.
“We are not aware of the so-called $875 million 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 reaction of Mr Mohammed followed reports 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.
But the Minister explained that apart from the 12 AH-I-Cobra attack helicopters of which Nigeria has taken delivery of six, he said he was not aware of any contract as being speculated.
