Nigeria, US mull direct flights to Houston

The ministry of aviation says it will collaborate with the United States to commence direct flight operations to Houston, Texas. 

Emmanuel Meribole, permanent secretary, ministry of aviation, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston, and his delegates in Abuja.

Meribole said all modalities required for the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) between both countries would begin as soon as new ministers are appointed in Nigeria, according to a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, the ministry’s spokesperson.

He said the Bola Tinubu administration is open to investment, tourism and strengthening the existing bilateral relationship between both nations.

On his part, Turner said the delegation’s visit to Nigeria is to deepen the current relationship between Nigeria and the US.

The mayor said the visit would further complement Houston’s efforts to expand its relationship with Nigeria in areas such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, energy and education.

He noted that Houston is Africa’s “second-biggest metropolitan trading partner” in the US and home to many Nigerians, hence the need for direct flights.

“The flight agreement will bring about trade and investment because it will provide opportunity for people to engage in businesses. We do need to increase trade between Nigeria and the city of Houston for growth and development,” he said.

In 2016, United Airlines stopped flying to Nigeria from Houston due to issues in the energy sector and unrepatriated funds.