TOP STORIES: FG targets direct flight to USA

THE Federal Government has assured the United States of America, USA, that it will begin the process for a direct flight from Nigeria to Houston, having a consulate office in Houston city and deepening the bilateral relations with the Government of America.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole made the assurance when a delegation from the USA, led by the Mayor of Houston Texas, Mr. Sylvester Turner, visited the Ministry, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

Meribole said he was glad the present administration is well disposed to investment, tourism, and building on the existing bilateral relationship.

He, therefore, 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, 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 the 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 the 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.