US completes $38m Kainji air base upgrade to ‘boost war against terrorism’

The United States says it has completed the $38 million upgrade of Nigeria’s Kainji air force base.

In a statement on Friday, the US embassy said the improvement of the base was delivered as part of a larger $500 million US foreign military sale to Nigeria.

At the inauguration ceremony of the facility on Thursday, Isiaka Amao, chief of air staff, represented by Nwokoma Ananaba, an air vice-marshal, was joined by David Greene, the US chargé d’Affaires for Nigeria; Joel Safranek, director of the US air force security assistance and cooperation directorate; John Lloyd, US army corps of engineers, North Atlantic division commander and other Nigerian partners.

The embassy said the improvement of the air base was key to facilitating the operation and maintenance of the A-29 Super Tucano wing and associated munitions stationed there.

“The base improvements were delivered as part of a larger, historic $500 million U.S. foreign military sale to Nigeria, which also included the delivery of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, precision munitions, and world-class training, including in air-to-ground integration to make airstrikes more accurate and thereby mitigate the risk of civilian harm,” the embassy said.

While speaking at the event, Greene said Nigeria’s A-29 programme is the largest US foreign military sales in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Since my arrival in Nigeria last year, I have closely tracked the progress of the A-29 programme and I’m grateful, today, to celebrate the fruits of U.S.-Nigerian partnership and commitment,” Greene was quoted as saying.

“Nigeria’s A-29 program is the largest U.S. foreign military sales case to date to a country in Sub-Saharan Africa, an example of Nigeria’s leadership in being, as is the Nigerian Air Force’s motto, ‘willing, able, and ready’ to contribute to security and stability at home and around the region.

“The base improvements were delivered in two main phases, with the first phase completed in summer 2021 to allow for the safe delivery of the first A-29 aircraft, which now play a key role in Nigerian air force operations to combat violent extremist organisations, such as ISIS-West Africa and Boko Haram.

“Crews are now finishing the second and final phase of air base improvement projects, which include improved base security, munitions storage and maintenance, aircraft hangars and aprons, and training facilities to ensure the continued successful operations of the new fighter wing.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, which is part of the larger U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division, oversaw the construction of these projects, which are key to facilitating the operation and maintenance of the 12 A-29 Super Tucanos and their accompanying munitions.”

In his remarks, Lloyd said: “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proudly supports our international partners like Nigeria by providing unique engineering expertise to bolster security capabilities, strengthen strategic relationships, and contribute to regional security.

“Here at Kainji Air Base, it has been an absolute privilege to partner with the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Air Force and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver these support facilities for their new fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.”