The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace is partnering with the United States of America (USA) on direct flights to Houston, Texas.
This followed a request from the Mayor of Houston Texas, Mr. Sylvester Turner on direct flights from Nigeria to Houston, a major city in the USA as part of efforts to deepen the Bilateral Relations with the Government of America.
Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace told the Mayor of Houston Texas, United States of America, Mr. Sylvester Turner, and his delegates that Nigeria will consider their proposal for a direct flight.
He said Nigeria “is well disposed to investment, tourism and building on the existing bilateral relationship. He assured them that all modalities required for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Nations as regards direct flight to Houston Texas will commence as soon as new Ministers are appointed and deployed appropriately.”
Earlier, the Mayor of Houston Texas, Mr. Sylvester Turner appreciated the hospitality they received from the Government of Nigeria stating that their visit to the Government of Nigeria is to build a stronger tie on their existing relationship between the United States and Africa. He reiterated 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, hence the need for a direct flight there.
He stated further that Houston is a gateway for trade to central and the western United States with strong infrastructure and strategic geographic location and that the visit is to further complement Houston’s efforts to expand its relationship with Nigeria through Healthcare, technology, Agriculture, energy, and education.
Commenting, 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.
Director, Admin and Strategy of the Organization of Youth in International Trade and Commerce, Engr. Gambo, Director General/Chief Executive Office, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru, Chairperson/ C.E.O of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa among many other dignitaries were present at the event.
