The Federal Government and Nigerians experts abroad have begun discussion on benefits of strengthening government presence in United States through creation of an additional consulate office in Chicago, to complement efforts of the embassy and other consulates across the country.

Discussion between both parties kicked off months after the Nigerians started the advocacy, stressing that establishment of a consulate office in Chicago would complement the Nigerian embassy operations in US.

During the meeting held recently, the apex government represented by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was one of the country’s experts abroad before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, was able to have a direct engagement with the Nigerians who have been pushing for the consulate establishment in Chicago.

Some of the Nigerians at the meeting held virtually were Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo; a Clinical associate professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Alh. Tunji Quadri; a US-based cyber security expert and general coordinator of Nigeria groups abroad, Nigerian Diaspora Initiative (NDI), Mr. Tolani Banire; a manager with vast experience in Aviation industry, and Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi; a seasoned engineer and contractor with the U.S Department of Defence.

While the discussion was ongoing between the parties, it was gathered that the President has agreed to increase the consulate office in United States but rather than limit the choice to Chicago alone, other cities were considered, increasing the potential choices to three.

Among these cities, Chicago was said to have been considered as preferred choice considering the strong connections between the president Tinubu and the city.

Aside from the discussion on consulate office establishment, the engagement also delved on issues affecting Nigerians abroad as well as possible solutions to the challenges.

Addressing the stakeholders on President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians abroad amid first year in office celebration, Alausa said that the Federal Government under Tinubu’s leadership has addressed lingering issues inherited from the previous administration.

The minister noted that these were issues that many Nigerians weren’t aware existed which the government had solved since assuming office, saying the administration is committed to fulfilling all campaign promises.

On the Chicago consulate office, he appealed to Nigerian experts for patience on the issue, assuring that their request would be discussed with the Minister of foreign affairs, Yusuff Tuggar, to facilitated approval during the cabinet meeting.

He noted that their request could experience some delay considering the administration’s budget constraints and the need to boost the economy after the subsidy removal.

The minister explained that to reduce government expenses formed part of reasons visa processing was transitioned to an online platform under the supervision of the Interior Minister.

According to him, this measure aims to streamline and enhance visa procedures while the physical consulate is in the planning and development stages.

While arguing that the consulate may not open as the citizens had initially anticipated, Alausa urged the 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.

Earlier, Amuwo, during the discussion, argued that the US land mass required that the consulate office be sited in Chicago to assist the Ambassador and the embassy perform their functions effectively as expected by the Federal Government.

He added that their request for the choice of Chicago would not only benefit the citizens abroad but strengthen the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, attracting fund for public projects and investments.

Also, Quadri, while arguing that a Nigerian consulate in Chicago cannot be overstated, particularly in a city with rich history of international trade and tourism, noted that the move would fast-track quick travel from the country back to Nigeria especially for businesses, tourism, and educational purposes

According to him, the establishment of a Nigerian consulate in Chicago would provide the much-needed resource for Nigerians living in the city, as well as for visitors.

Banire, a young expert, appealed that the minister conveys their requests to President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians in U.S would appreciate having quick access to consular services inside Chicago, rather than travelling miles to other cities.

He stressed that having easy access to passport and visa services, document certification, and other key consular services would facilitate business between both countries.