The United States and Nigeria have completed the $38 million Kainji Air Force Base in Niger, Nigeria, marking the largest US foreign military sales case under the Buhari administration, and the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. This significant deal demonstrates the strong partnership between the two nations.
The Kainji Air Force Base is key to the operation and maintenance of the A-29 Super Tucanos wing, along with associated munitions, which are stationed there. The improvements to the base were delivered as part of a larger, historic $500 million US foreign military sale to Nigeria, which included the delivery of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, precision munitions, and world-class training, including air-to-ground integration, to make airstrikes more accurate and mitigate the risk of civilian harm.
The base improvements were delivered in two phases, with the first phase completed in the summer of 2021, allowing for the safe delivery of the first A-29 aircraft, which now play a vital role in Nigerian Air Force operations to combat violent extremist organizations, such as ISIS-West Africa and Boko Haram. The second and final phase of the air base improvement projects, which includes improved base security, munitions storage and maintenance, aircraft hangars and aprons, and training facilities, is currently underway.
The improved facilities will be essential to ensure the continued successful operations of the new fighter wing. They will provide better base security, better maintenance of munitions and aircraft, and improved training facilities for pilots.
The partnership between the US and Nigeria has been key to combating terrorism and improving regional security in West Africa. The new air wing and the Kainji Air Force Base will undoubtedly strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and bring stability to the region.
