Foreign
By Kennedy Nnamani
THE United States has laid the first foundation stone for its $537 million consulate in Atlantic City, Lagos.
Upon completion in 2027, it will become the largest of its consulates in the world and this is according to the U.S mission, to underline its commitment to strengthen its investment, diplomatic and commercial relationship with Nigeria
To officially mark the launching of this construction located on a 12.2-acre site, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor was with Mary Beth Leonard, the U.S. Ambassador and Claire Pierangelo, the U.S. Consul General.
Before and when completed, it is estimated that a benefit of an estimated $95 million will directly come to Nigeria’s local economy and create over 2,500 jobs for Nigerians.
According to Ambassador Leonard, “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.”
In the same vein, Pierangelo made a remark on the relationship that has been between the two countries. According to Pierangelo, “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.”
The U.S mission noted that the $537 million consulate will take approximately five years to complete and will be the largest in Africa and in the world.
The structure was designed by Ennead Architects LLP of New York, while Pernix Federal, LLC of Lombard, Illinois is the design/build contractor and EYP, Inc. of Albany, New York is the architect of record.
KN
Tags: Babajide Sanwo-Olu Claire Pierangelo Mary Beth Leonard
