Diaspora Nigerians advocate consulate office in Chicago

Nigerians residing abroad have urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to immediately establish a consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United State.

This, they claimed, will help put a stop to years of stress and traveling far distance in order to complete documentations for activities to be carried out in their fatherland.

They added that the creation a consulate office in Chicago would serve both thousands of Nigerians doing business in the city and their neighbours that often travel far distance to access services provided by the nation’s embassy office in United States.

According to them, many Nigerians trade in Chicago considering that it is a vital hub for business, tourism, and culture and the establishment of such office would aid foreign Direct Investment to the country.

This Nigerians, under the aegis of Tinubu Presidential Forum Diaspora, argued that the consulate office will help to transform lives of countless Nigerians in Chicago and other neighbouring states as well as boost the country’s economy.

In a statement, the General Coordinator, TPF Diaspora, Olatunji Quadri, urged the President to consider the demand as priority.

“At its core, the issue of consular access is a fundamental human right. All people have the right to access consular services in a timely and effective manner. Yet, for Nigerians in Chicago, 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.

According to him, the establishment of a Nigerian consulate in Chicago would be a game-changer because it would provide the much-needed resource for Nigerians living in the city, as well as for visitors 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 ensure 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,” Quadri added.

Meanwhile, he urged Nigerians in the country and abroad to support their agitation, compelling the Federal Government to address their demands immediately.