In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United States, the Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, has called for the establishment of direct flights between Nigeria and Houston, as well as the opening of a Nigerian Consulate in the U.S. city.
The appeal was delivered during a high-level meeting in Texas between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, who represented Mayor Whitmire.
The mayor said that Houston is home to one of the largest Nigerian population in the United States, and establishing a consulate alongside direct air connectivity would significantly enhance trade, consular services, and diaspora engagement.
“These measures would deepen collaboration across consular representation, trade, and community services for the Nigerian diaspora,” Mayor Whitmire said at the meeting.
The mayor emphasized that a Nigerian consulate in Houston and the availability of direct flights would help solidify the growing relationship between Nigeria and the United States, while providing better support for Nigerians living in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Responding to the requests, Dabiri-Erewa noted that both the minister of foreign affairs and the minister of aviation in Nigeria were actively reviewing the proposals.
She described the engagement as “productive and forward-looking,” praising Houston’s commitment to fostering international cooperation.
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“We appreciate Houston’s support for the Nigerian community and are optimistic that these ideas will receive the necessary attention at the federal level in Nigeria,” she stated.
Also present at the diplomatic meeting were Ambassador Chigozie Obi, former Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia; Mr. Kunle “Kay” Elegbede, International Community Relations Manager for Mayor Whitmire; Toni Jenkins, Consular Relations Manager; Isabella Benavides, International Affairs Liaison
Yorke Sydney, a young intern at the mayor’s office, who expressed admiration for Dabiri-Erewa’s inspiring transition from journalism to public service
The visit further affirmed Houston’s status as a vital hub for international diplomacy and community engagement with African nations.
If implemented, direct flights between Nigeria and Houston could significantly ease travel for Nigerians living in the U.S., facilitate business partnerships, and improve access to government services through a consular presence in the region.