Nigerian Government Considers New Consulate in Chicago to Boost Investment, Serve Diaspora

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigerian experts abroad have initiated discussions on establishing a new consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

This proposed office aims to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in the U.S. and complement the existing embassy and consulates.

These experts argued that the new office would increase Nigeria’s annual Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), boost its economic status and an avenue for the FG to engage with Nigerians abroad.

The initiative gained momentum after the Nigeria Diaspora Initiative urged President Bola Tinubu to approve the establishment of a Chicago consulate office.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria, Dr. Tunji Alausa addressed stakeholders in a virtual meeting regarding the Tinubu administration’s progress and challenges.

He stated that the government has resolved numerous inherited issues that were previously unknown to many Nigerians.

Alausa emphasised the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises and implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Regarding concerns from Nigerian experts abroad, Alausa called for patience and assured that their requests would be discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuff Tuggar, for potential approval during a cabinet meeting.

Alausa acknowledged that the establishment of a physical consulate might face delays due to current budget constraints and the government’s focus on economic recovery following the removal of subsidies.

The minister elaborated on the government’s strategy to reduce expenses, explaining that this was a key factor in transitioning visa processing to an online platform under the interior minister’s supervision.

“Our goal is to streamline and enhance visa procedures through this digital approach.

“While we are actively planning and developing a physical consulate, the online system allows us to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the interim,” Alausa stated.

Arguing that the consulate may not open as the citizens had initially anticipated, Alausa urged US-based Nigerians not to relent in their advocacy for a new consulate office in Chicago, saying continued advocacy and engagement could fast-track its approval.

A Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, argued that Chicago’s location would help the consulate effectively assist the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C., given the vast size of the United States.

He believes this would enhance diplomatic ties and potentially attract investment and funding for public projects.

The US-based Cyber Security Expert and Coordinator of the Nigerian Diaspora Initiative, Tunji Quadri, suggested that a Chicago consulate would facilitate easier travel between Nigeria and the US for business, tourism, and education.

He emphasised that such a consulate would be a valuable resource for Nigerians living in Chicago and visitors alike.

Mr. Tolani Banire, a young expert and manager with extensive aviation industry experience, urged the minister to convey to the President their desire for a consulate office in Chicago.

He emphasised that having local access to consular services like passport and visa processing, document certification, and other key services would significantly facilitate business between Nigeria and the US.

If established, the Chicago consulate would eliminate the need for Nigerians and investors in the Midwest to travel to other cities for consular services, potentially increasing FDI and boosting Nigeria’s economy.

This move is seen as particularly important given Nigeria’s recent FDI figures of $59.77 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi, a seasoned engineer and contractor with the US Department of Defense, was also present at the meeting, lending additional expertise to the discussion.

While Chicago is considered a preferred choice due to its strategic location and Tinubu’s connections to the city, the President has reportedly agreed to increase the number of consulate offices in the US, with three potential cities under consideration.

The discussions also addressed broader issues affecting Nigerians abroad and potential solutions.