The United States Mission in Nigeria says the construction of its new consulate complex in Lagos is expected to channel more than $95 million into Nigeria’s economy.
The mission disclosed the figure on Wednesday after a topping-out event held on Tuesday, October 6, marking the completion of the highest structural level of the 10-storey facility at Eko Atlantic City.
It said the development is already generating substantial economic activity through the use of workers, subcontractors and suppliers in Lagos State and elsewhere in Nigeria.
More than 1,500 Nigerian workers have received training under the project in advanced international construction practices, improving their prospects in the domestic labour market beyond the end of the building programme.
The construction effort is currently managed by 120 Nigerian engineers, architects and administrators, who are working with 43 construction specialists from the United States, the mission said.
The new consulate compound is being developed as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria.
Richard Michaels, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa and Public Diplomacy, said at the ceremony that the facility had been designed to embody the depth of the bilateral relationship.
“This New Consulate Compound incorporates leading construction and engineering methods, meets the highest US design and construction requirements, and will remain a symbol of what our two countries can accomplish jointly,” Michaels said.
He said the development underlined US commitment to Nigeria’s long-term future, adding that Lagos’s role as the country’s commercial centre makes it central to advancing mutual prosperity between the two nations.
US Consul General Brandon Hudspeth received Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, senior Nigerian officials, diplomats, business executives, representatives of US companies, and Nigerian alumni of US government exchange programmes at the event.
The attendees took part in pouring the final bucket of structural concrete onto the roof of the 10-storey Chancery building.
Hudspeth said the scheme represented more than the delivery of a new diplomatic premises.
“What is taking shape at Eko Atlantic City is not merely a building, but a foundation for the next phase of our partnership,” he said.
