By Ignatius Ushie
In a bid to further expand her horizon, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace has assured the delegation from the United States of America that the Government of Nigeria will work on their requests for a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston, having a consulate office in Houston city and deepening the Bilateral Relations with the Government of the United States of America.
While receiving the Mayor of Houston Texas, United States of America, Mr. Sylvester Turner and his delegates at the Minister’s conference room yesterday in Abuja, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Meribole said he was glad the present administration 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 is to build a stronger tie on the 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 gate way 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 their 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 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.
