The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace has assured a delegation from the United States of America that the government of Nigeria will work on its requests for a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston, establish a consulate office in Houston and deepen bilateral relations with the government of the United States of America.
During a meeting with the Mayor of Houston, Mr. Sylvester Turner and his delegation at the minister’s conference room in Abuja, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole expressed the government’s willingness to invest in tourism and build on the existing bilateral relationship. He assured them that all necessary arrangements for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the nations regarding a direct flight to Houston, Texas, will commence as soon as new ministers are appointed and deployed appropriately.
Turner, expressed his gratitude for the hospitality received from the Government of Nigeria and stated that their visit aimed to strengthen the ties between the United States and Africa. He emphasised that Houston is Africa’s second-largest urban trade partner in the US and home to one of the largest Nigerian diasporas in the country, making a direct flight connection crucial.
Furthermore, Turner highlighted that Houston serves as a gateway for trade to central and western United States, boasting strong infrastructure and strategic geographic location. He added that their visit also aimed to complement Houston’s efforts in expanding relationships with Nigeria, particularly in areas such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy and education.
Ambassador Akinyemi Bolaji of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the mayor that the request for a consulate office in Houston would be taken into consideration. He emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would prioritise Houston, Texas, above other locations since they were the first to make such a request.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the director of administration and strategy of the Organisation of Youth in International Trade and Commerce, Engr. Gambo; Director-general/CEO of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru; the chairperson/CEO of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCo), Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa among others.
The meeting signified a positive step towards further strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America and enhancing trade and cooperation between the two nations.
