The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace has disclosed plans to commence the process of direct flight from Nigeria to Houston Texas.
The federal government revealed this in Abuja during a visit by a delegation from the United States of America, led by the Mayor of Houston Texas, United States of America, Mr. Sylvester Turner.
The FG while assuring the delegation, said it will work on their requests for a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston.
It also said it will consider their request of having a consulate office in Houston city to deepen the bilateral relations with the government of America.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole said he was glad the present administration is well disposed to investment, tourism, and building on the existing bilateral relationship.
In a statement in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, the Permanent Secretary assured the delegation that all modalities required for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Nations as regards direct flight to Houston Texas will commence as soon as new ministers are appointed and deployed appropriately.
The Mayor of Houston Texas, Mr. Turner stated that their visit to Nigeria was to build stronger ties on their existing relationship between the United States and Africa.
On the essence of the direct flight between both countries, Turner said Houston was Africa’s second-largest urban trade partner in the US and home to one of the largest Nigerian diasporas in the country, hence the need for a direct flight there.
Turner who said Houston is a gateway for trade to central and the western United States with strong infrastructure and strategic geographic location, added that the relationship between both countries will complement Houston’s efforts to expand their relationship with Nigeria through healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy, and education.
Also speaking, Ambassador Akinyemi Bolaji of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assured the Mayor that the issue of a consulate office in Houston will be considered.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will prioritize Houston Texas above others since they are the first to make such a request.
Some of the people present at the event are; Chairperson of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Director, Admin and Strategy of the Organization of Youth in International Trade and Commerce, Engr. Gambo, Director General of Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru.