The United States government has approved the possible sale of munitions, precision bombs, and precision rockets to Nigeria in a deal valued at approximately $346 million, aimed at bolstering the country’s security capabilities.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the development on Wednesday, stating that the sale aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“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 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $346 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today,” the DSCA said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
Details of the Request
According to DSCA, Nigeria’s request includes:
1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500 lb bombs
1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups (AFGs) for 500 lb Paveway II GBU-12
515 MXU-1006 AFGs for 250 lb Paveway II GBU-58
1,517 MAU-169 or MAU-209 computer control groups for Paveway II GBU-12/GBU-58
1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes
5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) all-up-rounds, including WGU-59/B guidance sections, high-explosive warheads, and MK66-4 rocket motors
The package also contains non-major defence equipment, such as FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, as well as integration support, test equipment, and technical assistance from U.S. government and contractors.
Strategic Significance
The contractors listed for the proposed sale include Lockheed Martin, RTX Missiles and Defense, and BAE Systems.
DSCA emphasised that the sale would improve Nigeria’s capacity to counter security threats while strengthening military cooperation between both nations. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the agency noted.
It further clarified that the transaction does not include an offset agreement, nor will it require deployment of additional U.S. personnel to Nigeria.
“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” DSCA added.
This development comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military capabilities in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges across the country.
