The federal government says it is unaware of any $ 875 million ammunition deal with the United States that is allegedly blocked by some lawmakers in that country.
Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed called the alleged ammunition deal reported in some sections of the media “fake news”.
Speaking to the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, the minister said there had been no such contract and amount between Nigeria and the United States.
“Today there is no arms contract between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America, with the exception of 12 Super Tucano attack helicopters, six of which have been delivered.
“We are quite pleased with the progress and cooperation we have received from the United States government on this issue.
“In fact, six Tucano helicopters will be launched on August 3 of this year.
“We are not aware of the so-called $ 875 million arms deal or certain helicopters that some US lawmakers they say are trying to persuade the President of the United States not to honor
“Relations between Nigeria and the United States are fluid and growing stronger,” he said.
Reports in some sections of the media claimed that influential US lawmakers were halting plans to sell ammunition and attack helicopters to Nigeria over allegations of human rights violations and undemocratic actions of the current administration.
The report listed the blocked sale plan to include 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters with defense systems, 28 helicopter engines produced by GE Aviation, and 14 military-grade aircraft navigation systems manufactured by Honeywell. (NAN)
