In a recent announcement, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, revealed significant progress in negotiations between Nigeria and the United States to reintroduce non-stop flights between Houston and Nigeria. Keyamo’s statement, conveyed by his Special Assistant for Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, also highlighted ongoing efforts to attract foreign investments into Nigeria’s aviation sector.
During his official visit to the United States, Minister Keyamo was honored as a guest at the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect event held at the George R. Brown Convention Centre in Houston, Texas. It was during this event that he had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Texas, and his team.
While in Houston, the Minister explored the flourishing aerospace industry, particularly at Ellington Airport, where he engaged with Mr. Arturo Machuca, the Director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport. Mr. Machuca and his team provided detailed insights, and guided the Minister through the aerospace facilities, offering valuable knowledge for Nigeria’s own aerospace development.
Furthermore, the Minister shared that he had discussions with Mayor Sylvester Turner and his team to advance talks regarding the reintroduction of direct flights between Houston and Nigeria. Additionally, the possibility of opening a Nigerian consulate in Houston was considered as part of the diplomatic discourse.
This positive development stemmed from Mayor Sylvester Turner’s visit to Nigeria earlier this year, during which discussions were initiated to establish mutually beneficial diplomatic relations, including the resumption of United Airlines flights and the potential establishment of a Nigerian Consulate in Houston.
