The United States government has approved a possible $346 million Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria, covering bombs, precision-guided munitions, rockets, and related support equipment.
The approval, confirmed in a statement by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) dated August 13 and received on Thursday, follows a determination by the US State Department and formal notification to Congress.
Under the request, Nigeria is seeking 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500-pound bombs; 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500-pound Paveway II GBU-12; 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250-pound 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; and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up-rounds.
The deal also covers FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration and testing support, logistics, and programme assistance.
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is intended to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond to security threats, including counter-terrorism missions and anti-trafficking operations in the country and the Gulf of Guinea. It stressed that the transfer will not alter the balance of power in the region or affect US military readiness.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by strengthening the security of a strategic partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” the agency said, adding that Nigeria will be able to integrate the equipment into its armed forces without difficulty.
The principal contractors are RTX Missiles and Defence, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems. No offset arrangement is currently in place, though such terms could be agreed during negotiations.
The DSCA noted that the $346 million estimate reflects the maximum projected value, with the final cost dependent on Nigeria’s specific requirements, budgetary approvals, and the conclusion of sales agreements.
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