The Federal Government has denied knowledge of any $875 million ammunition deal with the US which was said to have been blocked by the US congress for human rights violations.
Africa Today News, New York had earlier reported how Foreign Policy highlighted the action of US lawmakers on the proposed sale of 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and accompanying defence systems to the Nigerian military.
According to Reuters who quoted three sources, they maintained that the deal was blocked over concerns about possible human rights abuses by the Federal Government.
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However, while speaking with reporters on Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the reports as ‘fake news’.
The minister said there was no contract of such nature between Nigeria and the US.
‘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 August 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 honour
‘The relationship between Nigeria and the US is smooth and waxing stronger,’ he submitted.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK