United States of America on Thursday began the construction of a new consulate at the Eko Atlantic City, Lagos State adding that this would directly benefit the Nigerian people.
The move, according to a statement is geared at strengthening the enduring U.S.-Nigeria relationship, investing in the partnership for the benefit of the two nations.
At a historic groundbreaking ceremony highlighting the enduring bilateral friendship and partnership between the US and Nigeria, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, joined the US Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, and US Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, on Thursday to officially mark the beginning of construction on a new, modern U.S. 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 US and Nigeria and will provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.
According to the statement, the new Consulate construction project which is worth $537million will directly benefit the Nigerian people.
”Throughout the project, an estimated $95 million will be invested in the local economy, and the project will employ approximately 2,500 Nigerian citizens, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff.
These workers will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market.”
Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard stated, “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.”
“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,” Consul General Claire Pierangelo said.
The construction project targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification ––a globally recognized 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, is the design/build contractor, and EYP, Inc. of Albany, New York, is the architect of record.
The construction project will take approximately five years, with completion expected in 2027.