$537m new US consulate in Eko Atlantic ranked world largest
The US government has kick-started the construction of a new Consulate office at the iconic Eko Atlantic City in Lagos on Thursday adjudged to be the largest of America’s diplomatic offices in the world.
The project, estimated to gulp $537 million witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with the US Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, US Consul General Claire Pierangelo among other high profile attendees.
The new edifice is located on a 12.2-acre site in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City expected to support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria and provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.
“When completed, it will be the largest US Consulate in the world, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the United States and Nigeria,” according to a statement issued after the ceremony by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The statement said the new consulate would directly benefit the Nigerian people, as an estimated $95 million would be invested in the local economy, with the project employing 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 statement read.
In her remarks at the ceremony, the US ambassador to Nigeria expressed appreciation to the federal government and Lagos State Government for their support.
“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,” Leonard added.
“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,” Pierangelo said.
The new Consulate would provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interviews and waiting areas.
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 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 would take approximately five years, with completion expected in 2027.
