The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday, said talks are at an advanced stage between Nigeria and the United States of America concerning the resumption of direct flights from Houston.

Keyamo in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, also said efforts are in top gear to attract foreign investment into the aviation industry.

The minister, who is on a working visit to the United States was a guest of honour at the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect that was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las America, Houston, Texas, where he met with the Mayor of Houston, Texas, Sylvester Turner and his team members.

He stated that: During my visit to Houston, I also took time to visit the fast-developing Aerospace of the city in Ellington. I met Mr. Arturo Machuca, Director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport, and his team who did a detailed presentation to us and conducted us around the Aerospace. We were well guided on the development of our own Aerospace.

I spoke with the Mayor of Houston, Texas, and his team to advance talks regarding the resumption of direct flights from Houston to Nigeria. Another interesting diplomatic consideration the two envoys looked at is the opening of a Nigerian consulate in Houston.

It was reported that the Mayor, Sylvester Turner, visited Nigeria sometime early this year, 2023, to initiate discussions on the possibility of having a mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship of the United Airlines flights resumption and the opening of the Nigerian Consulate in Houston. (The PUNCH)