Abuja: The administration of President Bola Tinubu has procured military assets valued at $801 million from the United States over an 18-month period, as reported by the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, which released a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the naira equivalent of these acquisitions amounts to approximately ?1.15 trillion. This procurement is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize the nation’s defense capabilities.
Akinsiju highlighted that 2024 marked a significant year for Nigeria’s defense spending, with more than ?520 billion allocated to arms imports, representing roughly 67 percent of the country’s total arms imports from 2020 to 2024. A key acquisition during this period was the $455 million purchase of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from Bell Textron, aimed at enhancing operations against insurgency and terrorism.
Additionally, Akinsiju revealed that in August 2025, Nigeria finalized a $346 million deal for over 1,000 MK-82 bombs and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds, accompanied by logistics and training support. This package is designed to bolster the Nigerian military’s precision-strike capabilities and readiness to counter threats from groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit factions.
“This level of investment demonstrates Tinubu’s resolve to tackle terrorism and protect Nigerian citizens,” Akinsiju stated. He also noted that recent U.S. policy comments regarding Nigeria may be driven more by a desire to expand arms trade opportunities amid global competition, particularly from China, than by concerns over religious or human rights issues.