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Houston Mayor Calls on Nigerian Government to Open Consulate and Initiate Direct Flights

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 23rd, 2025.

Houston Mayor Calls on Nigerian Government to Open Consulate and Initiate Direct Flights

John Whitmire, the Mayor of Houston, has advocated for the creation of a Nigerian consulate in Houston alongside the start of direct flights connecting Nigeria and the city. These initiatives aim to bolster diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

The proposal was presented during a diplomatic engagement between Houston city officials and Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), held in Houston. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum attended the meeting on behalf of Mayor Whitmire.

Mayor Whitmire highlighted that Houston is home to one of the largest Nigerian communities in the U.S. He stressed that having a local consulate and direct flights would greatly improve access to essential services for Nigerians residing in the city.

“These steps will strengthen our partnership with the Nigerian community and foster enhanced cooperation in consular matters, trade, and diaspora relations,” Whitmire said, with his remarks conveyed by Castex-Tatum.

He further explained that establishing an official consulate in Houston would streamline document processing and offer diplomatic assistance, while direct flights would facilitate better connectivity, trade, and travel between the two nations.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa responded by affirming that the Nigerian government is aware of these requests, with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Aviation actively reviewing the proposals.

“We are currently engaging with relevant ministries on the consulate and direct flight requests. We recognize their significance for the diaspora and for strengthening bilateral relations,” Dabiri-Erewa noted.

Describing the discussion as positive and forward-thinking, she acknowledged Houston’s longstanding ties with Nigeria and emphasized opportunities for expanded collaboration across various sectors.

Other attendees included Ambassador Chigozie Obi, former Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia; 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 from the mayor’s office.

Sydney, attending to gain insight into international diplomacy, expressed admiration for Dabiri-Erewa’s journey from journalism into diplomatic leadership.

No official timeline was given for when the consulate might be established or when direct flights might commence, but both parties indicated ongoing discussions.