The Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, has requested the Nigerian government to establish a consulate in Houston and begin direct flights between Nigeria and the Texas city.

Naijaonpoint reports that the request was shared during a diplomatic visit by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who met with Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum on behalf of the mayor.

The meeting took place in Houston, which is home to a large Nigerian population.

In a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, the Commission confirmed the outcome of the meeting and reaffirmed its support for the proposals discussed.

The mayor’s team said that having a Nigerian consulate in the city, along with direct flight connections, would improve trade, diaspora services, and diplomatic ties between both countries.

The meeting was described as engaging, with both sides showing interest in building stronger cooperation.

Also present were Ambassador Chigozie Obi, former Nigerian envoy to Liberia; Kunle “Kay” Elegbede, who manages international community relations for the mayor; and other officials from the mayor’s office.

A young intern, Yorke Sydney, who attended the meeting, said she was inspired by Dabiri-Erewa’s journey from journalism to public service.