US lays foundation stone of a consulate costing $537m
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
America has laid the foundation stone of its new consulate in Atlantic City, Lagos that will be its largest in the world when completed in 2027 at a cost of $537 million.
It is another marker of the commitment of Washington to strengthening the relationship between the United States and Nigeria by investing in the partnership for the benefit of the two nations, each of which is located on one side of the Atlantic.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard and U.S. Consul General Claire Pierangelo on Thursday to officially mark the beginning of the construction of the new, modern US Consulate General in Lagos.
The consulate, located on a 12.2-acre site in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City, will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the two countries and provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.
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Benefits for Nigerians
The construction project will directly benefit Nigerians, with an estimated $95 million invested in the local economy.
It will employ about 2,500 Nigerians, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff who will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market, the US Mission said.
Leonard expressed at the ceremony appreciation to both the federal and Lagos governments for their support.
“Our vision for this remarkable Consulate campus is to create a facility that both honors the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness,” she said.
Pierangelo added that “Nigeria and the United States have a long-standing history of people-to-people engagement fostering bridges between our two nations.
“We look forward to the many accomplishments we will continue to achieve together in the future.”
Largest US consulate
The US Mission enthuses that when completed, the new consulate will provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas.
It will also be the largest US Consulate in the world, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the US and Nigeria, according to the US Mission.
The project targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification – a globally recognised designation for achievement in high performance, best-in-class, green buildings – and incorporates many features designed to make the building more sustainable.
Ennead Architects LLP of New York is the design architect, Pernix Federal, LLC of Lombard, Illinois, the design/build contractor, and EYP, Inc. of Albany, New York, the architect of record.
The construction project will take approximately five years, with completion expected in 2027, the US Mission said.