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The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the new Consulate was performed on Thursday, 31 March 2022, by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard and U.S. Consul General Claire Pierangelo. 

When completed, it will be the largest U.S. Consulate in the world. Located on a 12.2 acre site in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City in Lagos State, Nigeria, the new Consulate will provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas.  

A press release posted on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria states that the new U.S. Consulate in Lagos will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria and will provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

The Consulate construction project targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification - a globally recognized 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 will take approximately five years, with completion expected in 2027. The project will cost US$527 million.

A post on Ennead's website states "The new U.S. Consulate General reflects the dynamic forward-looking spirit of Lagos. The diagrid façade draws on local design traditions to create a high-performing and resilient structure."

According to the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, the new Consulate construction project will directly benefit the Nigerian people. Throughout the project, an estimated $95 million will be invested in the local economy, and the project will employ approximately 2,500 Nigerian citizens, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard said "Our vision for this remarkable Consulate campus is to create a facility that both honors the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness".

Top Photo: Groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the new U.S. consulate general in Lagos, Nigeria (ng.usembassy.gov)