Establishing Nigerian Consulate in Chicago will Boost FDI, Others – Says Nigerians Abroad

Rebecca Ejifoma

Nigerians residing abroad are urging President Bola Tinubu to promptly authorise the establishment of a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, US, to enhance Nigeria’s annual Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and economic standing.

They firmly believe that this initiative will attract investments capable of catalysing exponential growth in the Nigerian economy, particularly amidst the challenges being experienced by other nations.

Emphasising that streamlining access to embassy services for Nigerians and investors across the US will bolster FDI inflows annually, they are motivated by the recent disclosure from the Federal Government indicating an FDI of US$59.77m for the third quarter of 2023.

Furthermore, they are confident that directing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuff Tuggar, to establish a consulate office in Chicago under Tinubu’s directive will expedite and facilitate seamless travel between the US and Nigeria for business, tourism, and educational purposes.

This enhanced accessibility is expected to attract a greater influx of visitors and investors, consequently contributing to an upsurge in the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

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 (UIC), Tunji Quadri.

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 decried that previous Nigerian leaders’ decision not to set up a consulate office in Chicago has rubbed the country of many benefits its citizens would have gained.

“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 a rich history of International trade and tourism.

According to him, the establishment of a Nigerian consulate in Chicago would be a game-changer because it would provide the much-needed resources for Nigerians living in the city and the neigbouring Midwest states, as well as for visitors and Investors who come for business, tourism, and others.

The coordinator stressed that having easy access to passport and visa services, document certification, and other key consular services would facilitate business between both countries and reduce unemployment in Nigeria.

“It is crucial that the Tinubu-led administration ensures 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”.

A US-based Cyber Security expert, Mr. Tolani Banire, stated that the population of Nigerians in the US, especially in the Midwest area is a key factor in establishing another Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois to serve the needs of our citizens.

Banire, who is also the General Coordinator of a Nigerian group abroad, Nigeria Diaspora Initiative (NDI), said this initiative will give Nigerians in the US additional options to get their requests sorted out.

He also 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.

A manager with vast experience in the Aviation Industry, Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi, strongly believes that the visibility of the consulate office would serve as an avenue for true and real-time information resources for its citizens residing abroad and foreigners to have a better understanding of opportunities available within the country.

Ajayi, who is advocating for the development of other sectors of the country’s economy after oil, added that through the consulate, narratives about our country, especially on culture, arts, business opportunities, heritage, image, and status will be better portrayed to investors and visitors abroad.

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

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.

They stressed 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.

Others in the diaspora chanting this course include a seasoned Engineer and contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan, and an Information Technology (IT) expert Femi Odere.

They unanimously hope that their proposal is given the utmost consideration for Approval.