…Says project’ll invest $95m in Nigeria’s economy, employ 2,500 citizens
By Abimbola Abatta
The United States, on Thursday, unveiled a $537m new Consulate construction project in Lagos as part of the efforts put in place to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, which had in attendance Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, and U.S. Consul General to Lagos, Claire Pierangelo as well as other dignitaries, it was revealed that an estimated $95 million will be invested in Nigeria’s economy.
The project will equally 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.”
The U.S. hinted that the initiative will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria, adding that it will provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.
In her remarks, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard commended the Federal and Lagos State Governments for their support.
She said, “Our vision for this remarkable Consulate campus is to create a facility that both honours the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness.”
Also speaking, Consul General Claire Pierangelo averred 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,” she added.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, lauded the investment by the United States, saying the project promises to put Lagos on the global map in terms of climate change and energy efficiency.
According to him, “The relationship between the United States and Nigeria is a long and very cherished one. It spreads across several areas, from the military, security, corporation, commerce, education, energy, youth empowerment and other areas.
“This building is a demonstration of the confidence the global community has in our economy and a measure of the resilience of our state. The U.S. has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State in the past couple of months.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this groundbreaking event. When completed, it will represent boundless new opportunities for Nigerians and Americans.”
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the state a haven for local and international investment.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the project, located on a 12.2-acre site in Eko Atlantic City, will be the largest U.S. Consulate in the world when completed.
Meanwhile, the construction 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.
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.