The United States has given the green light for a possible sale of munitions, precision bombs, rockets, and related equipment worth an estimated $346 million to Nigeria.
According to a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) dated August 13 and made available on Thursday, the US State Department has notified Congress of the potential Foreign Military Sale, which aims to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism and maritime security capabilities.
“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Nigeria of munitions, precision bombs, and precision rockets, along with related equipment, for an estimated cost of $346 million,” the DSCA said.
Under Nigeria’s request, the package includes 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs; 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-12; 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-58; 1,517 computer control groups for Paveway II GBU-12/GBU-58; 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes; and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rounds.
Also covered in the proposed deal are FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, test equipment, and logistical support services.
The DSCA said the sale would “strengthen Nigeria’s capability to address current and future threats, including operations against terrorist organisations and illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”
It added that the transaction would not affect the balance of military power in the region and would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness.
Principal contractors named in the proposal include RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems. The agency also confirmed there is currently no offset agreement tied to the deal, noting that any such arrangements would be determined during negotiations between Nigeria and the contractors.
The statement concluded: “The proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces.”