Towards strengthening relations between the United States and Nigeria, American government has begun an ambitious $537 million consulate project in the Eko-Atlantic City, Lagos.

The 10-floor project sited on 12.2 acres is expected to provide an estimated $95 million investment in the Lagos economy and employ approximately 2,500 Nigerians, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers and administrative staff, who will learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will boost their capacity in the local labour market.

The new construction also provides 300,000 square feet Gross Chancery size and targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification, a globally recognised designation for achievement in high performance, best-in-class technology, green buildings and incorporates features to make the building more sustainable.

It will provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview, car park and waiting areas as well as offices, consular services, cafeteria, multipurpose room, recreational facilities, warehouse, shops, entrance pavilions, parking garage, utility building and boat dock.

Renowned Ennead Architects LLP of New York, is the design architect, Pernix Federal, LLC of Lombard, Illinois, is the design/build contractor, while EYP, Inc. of Albany, New York, is the architect of record.

The consultate campus project will take approximately five years, with completion expected in 2027.

When completed, it will be the largest U.S. Consulate in the world, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer & President, Pernix Group, Mr. Nidal Zayed, assured that the firm was determined to bring the project to life in line with the design specifications, best of technology and ensure that it is delivered within the five-year scheduled to complete the project.

According to him, the project will offer local professionals an opportunity to train and become more competent in line with international standards, adding that anyone that will be involved in the project will benefit by their involvement.

Zayed said the project would benefit about 1,200 employees at first start and 2,500 employees over all.

Speaking at a historic groundbreaking ceremony, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, expressed appreciation to the Federal government and the Lagos State government for their support.

She said the new U.S. consulate general project will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria as well as provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

Leonard said: “Our vision 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.”

The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the project was an indication of how important the Nigeria/U.S relationship is and how serious the U.S views Nigeria and Lagos in particular, adding that it will bring a new chapter in the bilateral journey between the two countries.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We are truly excited with the relationship the project will provide for our youths, young engineers, creative designers and all the local professionals that will be working with their American counterparts and skills that would be transferred. At the end of the day we will have a building that is energy efficient and the sustainability of the building will be second to none.”

On her part, the U.S Consul General, Lagos, Claire Pierangelo, said: “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.”

Source:Guardian