Business Inside Africa reported on Tuesday that the agreement was reached with Italian aerospace and defence giant, Leonardo S.p.A., as part of Nigeria’s expanding military modernisation programme aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Air Force.
Nigeria has moved to significantly boost its air power with the acquisition of 24 M-346FA light fighter aircraft from Italy in a deal estimated at €1.2 billion, marking the largest single purchase of military jets by any country in West Africa.
Business Inside Africa reported on Tuesday that the agreement was reached with Italian aerospace and defence giant, Leonardo S.p.A., as part of Nigeria’s expanding military modernisation programme aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Air Force.
Beyond the delivery of the aircraft, the deal includes maintenance, logistics and long-term technical support, a move analysts say signals the Nigerian government’s intention to sustain combat readiness rather than rely on short-term military upgrades.
The purchase follows earlier approval by the Federal Executive Council for a $618 million borrowing plan to finance the acquisition of the Italian-made M-346 attack jets and associated munitions.
The latest procurement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with deepening internal security crises, including a protracted jihadist insurgency in the North-East, worsening banditry in the North-West, and persistent communal violence in the Middle Belt.
These conflicts have placed enormous pressure on government resources, displaced millions of citizens and severely disrupted economic activities across large swathes of the country.
Security officials believe the M-346FA jets would enhance aerial surveillance, close air support and precision strike capabilities, giving the military greater operational flexibility in its fight against insurgent and criminal groups.
Nigeria’s growing military footprint is also unfolding against a fragile regional backdrop.
Recently, Nigerian troops were deployed to neighbouring Benin following an attempted coup in which mutinous soldiers briefly seized key locations in Cotonou.
The deployment, carried out at the request of Benin’s authorities and approved by the Nigerian Senate, reportedly helped restore constitutional order and underscored Abuja’s readiness to project military power beyond its borders amid rising political instability and military takeovers across parts of West Africa.
Observers say the choice of Italy as a major defence supplier reflects a strategic shift in Nigeria’s arms procurement policy.
By turning to Italian manufacturers, Nigeria appears to be seeking more modern equipment, competitive pricing and stronger after-sales support, while gradually reducing its dependence on traditional arms suppliers such as the United States, Russia and China.
The massive arms purchase, however, is likely to reignite debates over government spending priorities at a time when Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardship, rising debt and worsening social conditions.