Houston Mayor Encourages FG to Start Direct Flights, Open Consulate
Houston Mayor Encourages FG to Start Direct Flights, Open Consulate
* Nigerian government’s considering the request.
Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, has proposed the establishment of a Nigerian consulate in Houston and the introduction of direct flights between Nigeria and the city as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria–United States relations.
The proposal was delivered during a diplomatic meeting between the City of Houston and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), held in Houston. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum represented Mayor Whitmire at the meeting.
Mayor Whitmire noted that Houston hosts one of the largest Nigerian populations in the United States and said that a direct air route and local consular representation would significantly improve access to services for Nigerians living in the city.
“These measures will not only deepen our engagement with the Nigerian community but also promote closer collaboration in consular services, trade, and diaspora relations,” Whitmire said in remarks conveyed by Castex-Tatum.
He emphasized that formal consular representation in Houston would facilitate more efficient processing of documentation and provide diplomatic support to the Nigerian population in the city, while direct flights would enhance travel, commerce, and connectivity between both countries.
Responding to the proposals, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said the Nigerian government is aware of the requests and that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Aviation are considering them.
“I can assure you that discussions are ongoing with the relevant ministries on both the consulate and direct flight requests. We understand their importance to the diaspora community and to bilateral engagement,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She described the meeting as constructive and forward-looking, noting Houston’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria and the potential for further collaboration across sectors.
Also present at the 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; and Yorke Sydney, an intern at the mayor’s office.
Sydney, who attended the meeting as part of her exposure to international affairs, expressed interest in Dabiri-Erewa’s transition from journalism to political and diplomatic service.
No formal timeline was announced for the consulate’s possible establishment or the launch of direct flights, but both sides indicated that discussions would continue.
