To strengthen its diplomatic and commercial relationship with Nigeria, the United States government is set to build its world’s largest consulate in Lagos.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the consulate in the Eko Atlantic City, U.S. ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard said the project would be completed by 2027.

“The new consulate will provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas. When completed, it will be the largest U.S. consulate in the world,” said a statement by the U.S. consulate in Lagos.

Ms Leonard added that the 10-storey consulate on 12.2 acres site size would be funded with $537 million and is expected to generate $95 million in local investment for Lagos and Nigeria.

She reiterated that the project construction would strengthen commercial relationships with Nigeria. She maintained that it would employ over 2,500 Nigerian citizens to learn new skills, adding that the U.S. would organise special programmes for young graduates.

“Our vision for this remarkable consulate campus is to create a facility that honours the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness,” stated Ms Leonard.

The U.S. consul general Claire Pierangelo explained that the new consulate would provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the U.S. contributions to Lagos’ economic growth.

The governor said the consulate campus was designed to empower local community actors, adding that the project will create opportunities for both countries.

“When it is completed, this new campus will represent a boundless new opportunity for Nigerians and Americans that will come into the facility,” said Mr Babajide. “This represents almost $500 million investment, this money will go into our local economy during the construction, and it will involve all small and medium businesses, our young designers, creativities and everybody that will be working on this campus.”

The governor also mentioned that the state would partner Google to open the biggest tech hub in Nigeria for local talents.

“Let me use this opportunity to talk about the partnership with the American companies, the likes of they are working with us to build a tech hub in Yaba which will bring value when it is completed. We are building bridges together with our local and international partners.”

Located on a 12.2-acre site in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City, the new U.S. consulate general in Lagos will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the U.S. and Nigeria and provide American and Nigerian consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.