NIGERIA
Unfair Conditions
Nigeria will protest the conditions set by the US on its planned $494 million purchase of 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter planes.
Defense Minister Mansur Dan Ali said Thursday that Nigeria will object to the 2020 transfer date for the aircraft, as well as restrictions on training for Nigerian technicians and maintenance crews, Reuters reported.
Former President Barack Obama delayed the sale over concerns about Nigeria’s human rights record. But President Donald Trump’s administration approved it to support Nigeria’s efforts to fight Boko Haram militants.
Nigeria’s air force said the two parties had agreed on a deal in December. But the final agreement and first payments are slated for Feb. 20. On Thursday, Dan Ali called that into question, saying “payments will be made when the conditions are reduced.”
The sale of the 12 aircraft, with weapons and service, includes thousands of bombs and rockets, Reuters said.
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