The Nigeria Diaspora Initiative has asked President Bola Tinubu to quickly agree to open a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United States. This is to increase Nigeria's yearly Foreign Direct Investment and improve its economic position.
The group is making this request after the Federal Government revealed that the FDI for the third quarter of 2023 was US $59.77 million.
The group stated in a Wednesday statement that this move would attract investments that could bring growth to the Nigerian economy, especially when other nations are currently facing challenges.
They emphasized that by avoiding Nigerians and other US-based investors from traveling long distances to access services provided by the nation’s embassy office, yearly FDI will increase.
Advocates for creating the consulate include Prof Shaffideen Amuwo, a Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago, Alh. Tunji Quadri, a US-based cyber security expert and the General Coordinator of Nigeria Diaspora Initiative, Mr. Tolani Banire, an experienced Manager in the Aviation Industry, Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi, a seasoned Engineer and contractor with the US Department of Defense, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan, an Information Technology expert, and Hon. Femi Odere.
The group, led by NDI Coordinator, Alhaji Tunji Quadri, maintained in a statement that the consulate office would not simply be a bureaucratic expansion, but a significant means for the Federal Government to engage with Nigerians abroad, especially those in the United States.
“Fundamentally, access to any consular services is a basic human right. All individuals have the right to consular services promptly and effectively. However, for Nigerians, especially those in Chicago and Midwest cities, that right has been refused.
“This refusal by the Federal Government has created substantial obstacles, making it hard for people to travel, conduct business, and even obtain essential documentation.
“It is essential for the Tinubu-led administration to ensure that Nigerian Americans receive the needed support to succeed. The establishment of a consulate in Chicago would be a powerful symbol of that commitment,” he added.
Tolani Bamire argued that the number of Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the Midwest area, is a key reason to open another Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois to serve our citizens' needs.
He also stated that the demand for a new consulate office will reduce the number of Nigerians and investors traveling to the other offices in New York and Atlanta, Georgia for consular services.
He mentioned that the office will be a platform for a strengthened bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US.
