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US ready to sell high-tech warplanes to Nigeria
This would surely be a boost to the fight against insurgency in Nigeria.
President Buhari and US President, Donald Trump
This arrangement was confirmed by American officials, in move towards supporting the government fight against Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria.
The US congress is expected to receive formal notification of the move within weeks. This deal was initiated by the former US President BarackObama’s administration, but it was not concluded before his administration left office.
Under the arrangement, Nigeria will purchase up to 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft with sophisticated targeting gear for nearly US$600m.
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Nigeria has been trying to buy the A-29s since November, 2015, but the process has been halted due to the fear of abuse by the Nigerian security forces. Purchase deals with Brazil and Isreal by the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan were blocked by the US.
The Brazil deal involves the purchase of A-29 Super Tucano and Boeing CH-47 Chinok from the Isreali government. These military wares are produced by US firms and could only be sold with approval from US government.
This new development is an indication that the US government is relaxing its arms embargo on the country. One move which is consider a booster for the fight against insurgency in Nigeria.
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