U.S approves Sale of Munitions and Precision Weapon Systems to Nigeria

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. State Department has approved a significant arms sale to Nigeria, valued at approximately $346 million, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress today of the potential transfer of munitions, precision bombs, and rockets, along with related equipment.

The proposed sale includes over 1,000 MK-82 general purpose 500 lb bombs, along with various precision-guidance components such as MXU-650 AFGs for GBU-12 bombs, MXU-1006 AFGs for GBU-58 bombs, and advanced control groups for precision targeting. Additionally, Nigeria will receive thousands of joint programmable fuzes, APKWS II laser-guided rocket rounds, and other necessary support equipment, including test and integration tools.

This upgrade to Nigeria’s military arsenal aims to bolster the country’s capability to combat terrorism, counter illicit trafficking, and address regional security threats, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. The U.S. government emphasizes that Nigeria is capable of integrating these munitions into its armed forces with ease and that the sale will not impact regional military balance.

Principal contractors involved include RTX Missiles and Defense, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. The U.S. government does not anticipate any offset agreements at this stage, though negotiations could specify such arrangements later. Implementation of the sale will not require deploying additional U.S. personnel to Nigeria, and the transfer is expected to be seamless without affecting U.S. defense readiness.

This military assistance aligns with U.S. foreign policy aims of strengthening strategic partnerships in Africa, promoting stability, and supporting Nigeria’s efforts against regional threats. The sale’s final value will depend on the final requirements and negotiated agreements, with the initial estimate maintaining at $346 million.