From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
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 city, moves he says will significantly boost relations between the United States and Nigeria.
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He made the during a diplomatic meeting in Texas attended by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, who represented Mayor Whitmire, and Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
According to a statement issued by Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, city officials emphasised that Houston is home to one of the largest Nigerian populations in the United States, making these measures timely and potentially transformative.
“Establishing direct flights and ensuring the presence of a Nigerian consulate in Houston would not only deepen collaboration on consular matters but also strengthen our cities’ commercial ties and foster more robust engagement with our vibrant Nigerian diaspora,” Mayor Whitmire stated through his representative. He underscored the importance of providing adequate services, support, and opportunities to the fast-growing Nigerian community, saying such moves signal the city’s commitment to inclusivity and international cooperation.
The discussions were described as “productive and forward-looking” by both parties, reflecting a shared priority to enhance diplomatic and economic engagements between the two nations.
Dabiri-Erewa, in her response, reassured attendees that the Nigerian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Aviation are currently reviewing the requests, highlighting the administration’s openness to expanding Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint and improving direct air links to the United States.
Participants at the meeting included Ambassador Chigozie Obi, a former Nigerian ambassador to Liberia; Kunle Elegbede, International Community Relations Manager for Mayor Whitmire; Toni Jenkins, Consular Relations Manager; Isabella Benavides, International Affairs Liaison; and Yorke Sydney, a young intern in the Mayor’s office. Sydney expressed her admiration for Dabiri-Erewa’s inspiring journey from journalism to politics, describing the encounter as a motivating experience for young people interested in international affairs.
The statement noted that these efforts reflect a broader recognition of Houston’s role as a gateway for Nigerians seeking access to the central and western United States. Direct flights, NIDCOM noted, would considerably ease travel for families, businesspeople, and students, while a local consulate would address longstanding consular service gaps and facilitate stronger bilateral trade.
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