Diaspora Nigerians seek consulate office in Chicago

The Nigeria Diaspora Initiative has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently approve the establishment of a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United States, to increase Nigeria’s annual Foreign Direct Investment and boost its economic status.

This is coming after the Federal Government announced that the FDI for the third quarter of 2023 stood at US $59.77 million.

The move, the group claimed in a statement on Wednesday, would attract investments that could bring growth to the Nigerian economy, especially when other nations are currently facing challenges.

They stressed that preventing Nigerians and other investors around the US from traveling long distances to access services provided by the nation’s embassy office will scale up FDI yearly.

Among those advocating for the creation and establishment of the consulate are 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, a Manager with vast experience 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.

In the statement signed by NDI Coordinator, Alhaji Tunji Quadri, the group maintained that the consulate office would not serve as merely a bureaucratic expansion, but a symbolic avenue for the Federal Government to engage with the Nigerians abroad especially those in the United States.

“At its core, the issue of access to any consular services is a fundamental human right. All people have the right to consular services in a timely and effective manner. Yet, for Nigerians especially those in Chicago and Midwest cities, that right has been denied.

“This denial by the Federal Government has created significant barriers, making it difficult for people to travel, do business, and even access vital documentation.

“It is crucial that the Tinubu-led administration ensure that Nigerian Americans are given the support they need to succeed. The establishment of a consulate in Chicago would be a powerful symbol of that commitment,” he added.

On his part, Tolani Bamire argued that the population of Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the Midwest area is a key factor in establishing another Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois to serve the needs of our citizens.

He added that the clamour for a new consulate office will decongest the number of Nigerians and investors traveling to the other offices in New York and Atlanta, Georgia for consular services.

According to him, the office will be a platform for a strengthened bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US.