The United States of America, USA, can expect a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston in the near future, as the Federal Government has provided reassurances and begun the necessary preparations.
Also, the proposed consulate office in Houston aims to foster deeper bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, made assurances about the direct flight to Houston during a visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja by a delegation from the USA. The delegation was headed by Mr. Sylvester Turner, the Mayor of Houston Texas.
Pleased with the current administration’s outlook, Meribole emphasised their favourable disposition towards investment, tourism, and building upon the existing bilateral relationship.
Thus, he assured them that as soon as new Ministers are appointed and deployed accordingly, all necessary arrangements for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement concerning the direct flight to Houston, Texas, will promptly begin.
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Appreciating the kind hospitality shown by the Government of Nigeria, Turner reiterated that the objective of their visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the United States and Africa.
He restated the crucial fact that Houston is Africa’s second-largest urban trade partner in the US and houses a substantial Nigerian diaspora, making it clear why a direct flight to the city is highly warranted.
He further pointed out that Houston’s strong infrastructure and strategic geographical location make it an important trade portal to the central and western United States.
Their visit was specifically intended to reinforce Houston’s efforts in fostering partnerships with Nigeria in vital sectors such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy, and education.
The Mayor got reassurance from Ambassador Akinyemi Bolaji of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the proposal for a consulate office in Houston would not go unnoticed and would be carefully examined.
Giving reasons for the prioritization, he mentioned that Houston, Texas, would be favoured over other locations as they were the pioneers in formally requesting a consulate office, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.