The Federal Government has said it is not aware of any $875 million ammunition deal with the United States of America (USA) which is being purportedly blocked by some American lawmakers.
Speaking with NAN on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said there was no contract of such nature and sum between Nigeria and the US, describing the media report as ‘Fake News’.
“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 honor.The relationship between Nigeria and the US is smooth and waxing stronger,’’ he said.
There was media reports that influential U.S. 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.
