FG To Partner US On Direct Flights To Texas

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The Federal Ministry of Aviation says it will collaborate with the United States on direct flights to Texas in a bid to expand the horizon of the aviation industry and deepen the bilateral relations with the world’s largest economy.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Meribole, said this during a visit to the Ministry by a delegation from the United States led by the Mayor of Houston, Texas, Mr Sylvester Turner, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The ministry promised the US delegation that the Federal Government of Nigeria would work on its requests for direct flights from Nigeria to Houston, a consulate office in Houston, and expand bilateral relations with the Government of America.

According to a statement by a spokesperson for the ministry, Mr Odutayo Oluseyi, all modalities required for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the US for the direct flight operations to Texas would commence as soon as new ministers are appointed and deployed in Nigeria.

The Mayor said the delegation’s visit to Nigeria was to strengthen the current relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

He highlighted that Houston is Africa’s second-biggest metropolitan trading partner in the United States and home to many Nigerians, hence, the need for a direct flight.

He said the partnership will also bring strong infrastructure and strategic geographic location that will expand the relationship with Nigeria through healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy and education.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Akinyemi Bolaji of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures the mayor that the proposal of establishing a consulate office in Houston will be considered.