Mr. Sylvester Turner, the Mayor of Houston, United States of America, revealed that he is actively involved in discussions with the Nigerian government to set up a Consular Office in Houston and establish a direct flight route.
The primary objective behind these endeavours is to boost trade opportunities and foster stronger bilateral relations between the two nations, specifically with Nigeria.
Turner’s disclosure about the establishment of a Consular Office and direct flight initiatives came to light during his address to Nigerian journalists in Abuja, where he provided a comprehensive overview of the fruitful discussions held with government ministries and prominent figures from the business realm throughout his impactful business trip to Nigeria.
The delegation from Houston, skillfully led by Turner, engaged in an exchange with their Nigerian counterparts, according to reports.
This collaborative effort aimed to explore various avenues for expanding trade opportunities, attracting investments, and fostering robust bilateral relations between Nigeria and Houston.
Read also: FG Eyes Direct USA Route From Nigeria
The mayor highlighted the city’s ambitions to foster deeper relationships and enhance business prospects across multiple industries, including aviation, agriculture, energy, maritime, technology and innovation, and medical tourism.
By creating an atmosphere of certainty and reliability, they aspire to create an ideal setting for businesses to thrive and prosper.
The mayor laid out a comprehensive vision for the city, indicating its ambition to strengthen connections and promote business growth across multiple sectors.
These include aviation, agriculture, energy, maritime, technology and innovation, and medical tourism, among others. The goal is to foster an environment of certainty and reliability, creating the perfect ecosystem for businesses to thrive and succeed.
‘It is about enhancing the relationship that currently exists and we are meeting with business leaders and also governmental leaders.’
‘Bearing in mind that the president is yet to put in his cabinet, but we are meeting with a number of permanent secretaries in various sectors, trade, business, investment, aviation.’
‘There are sole priorities for us and one is dealing with a direct flight from Nigeria to Huston, Huston to Nigeria.’
‘Because when you start talking about trade and investment, you need to make it as easy as possible for persons to go from one place to another. That has been a top priority.’
‘One of the largest Diaspora outside Nigeria is in Huston. There are more Nigerians in Huston than they are in New York, L.A, Atlanta, and so we need a consular office in the area of Huston.’
‘So, we are hoping to encourage the Nigerian government to set up a consular office.’
‘When I came to office eight years ago, that was one of the biggest requests from the Nigerian community in Huston so we want to enhance that.’
‘The third is to simply enhance the trade and investment between the two. Right now, Nigeria is Huston’s largest trading partner.’
‘Annually about $1.6 billion as at 2022; that seems to be a large number but we think there is room for expansion and we want to push that,’ Turner added.
Turner spoke of the tremendous potential in Nigeria’s growing economic market, presenting a strategic and advantageous avenue for businesses in the United States, particularly those in Houston, to seize new and rewarding business opportunities.