The unemployment rate in Nigeria rose to 33.3% in late 2020. Amid economic uncertainties and worsening inflation, the unemployment numbers in the country could grow even worse. For this reason, citizens and the government welcome any effort toward job creation in Nigeria.
Yesterday, the US Consulate in Nigeria unveiled the construction of a modern facility in the rapidly developing Eko Atlantic City in Lagos. Described as the largest US Consulate in the world, it would employ approximately 2,500 Nigerian citizens when completed in 2027.
According to the US government, the $537 million new Consulate General in Lagos will support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria and provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.
It said the project would directly benefit the Nigerian people, as an estimated $95 million will be invested in the local economy, benefiting engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff.
“These workers will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market,” the Consulate said.
At the unveiling, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said: “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.”
The US Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, added: “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.”
Pierangelo said that the new Consulate would provide a modern space for the largest consular operation in Africa, including improved public-facing interview and waiting areas, making it the largest US Consulate in the world.
