After a thorough review of the current economic challenges before Nigeria, thousands of its citizens residing in United States have advocated that the Federal Government consider establishment of a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, a step they believe will boost the Nigeria’s economy status through increase in annual Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
These experts in different industry in the US stated that this move would attract investments that could bring geometric economic growth to the Nigerian, especially at a time when its neighbours were currently facing challenges.
They argued that reducing travel time for both Nigerians and investors willing to have discussion with the country’s representatives and access services provided by the nation’s embassy will have significant impact on the FDI annually.
This came after the Federal Government announced that the FDI for third quarter of 2023 stood at US$ 59.77 million.
According to Nigerians abroad in the Midwestern part of the United States, if President Tinubu orders the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuff Tuggar, to setup a consulate office in Chicago, it will facilitate quick and efficient travel from the country back to Nigeria for businesses, tourism, and educational purposes and in return, the presence of these visitors and Investors will help scale up the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Arguing further, they stated that this will reduce the country’s huge dependence on crude oil since other sectors will attract attention from visitors, Investors and Nigerians abroad.
These Nigerians noted that the consulate will 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.
Among those advocating for the creation and establishment of the consulate are Prof Shaffideen Amuwo, a Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Alh. Tunji Quadri, a US-based cyber security expert and the General Coordinator of a Nigerian group abroad, Nigeria Diaspora Initiative (NDI), Mr.Tolani Banire, a Manager with vast experience in the Aviation Industry, Dr.Oluwagoke Ajayi, a seasoned Engineer and contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan, an Information Technology (IT) expert and Hon. Femi Odere who is also a Disaporan.
Speaking, Quadri noted that the choice of Chicago is strategic considering its location and accessibility for all irrespective of their status in the country.
He lamented that previous Nigerian leaders’ decision not to set up a consulate office in Chicago has rubbed the country of many benefits it citizens would have gained from.
“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”, he added.
Quadri argued that having a Nigerian consulate in Chicago cannot be overstated, particularly in a city with rich history of International trade and tourism.
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