The United States and Nigeria have a long history of diplomatic and economic engagement, rooted in shared goals and cooperation across various sectors. To support this relationship, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations is constructing a new U.S. consulate general in Lagos that will enhance U.S. diplomatic efforts and serve as a hub for collaboration on key initiatives.
Project Overview
Ennead Architects
Design Architect
EYP, Inc.
Architect of Record
Pernix Federal, LLC
Design/Build Contractor
$362 million
Construction Budget
$95 million
Estimated Local Investment
Lagos, as Nigeria’s largest city and a major economic hub, serves as a focal point for collaboration in areas like trade, investment, and innovation.
U.S.-Nigeria initiatives in Lagos include supporting public health advancements, promoting economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, and fostering cultural and educational exchanges. The new consulate will provide a secure and efficient space to advance these initiatives, enhancing collaboration with Nigerian officials, civil society, and business leaders.
Design
Large trees and a variety of plants create microclimates within open, multi-layered gardens that frame the Chancery and provide shaded walkways. The building’s geometric and patterned façade is inspired by the local craft traditions of the Nigerian people.
A sculptural stair provides access to community spaces and a café above, with views to the adjacent canal and boat dock.
The arrival pavilion’s staggered roofs and granite screen wall encourages air movement, creating a comfortable oudoor reception and waiting area for consular visitors.
Construction
Building diplomatic facilities impacts the communities and neighborhoods in which they are located by generating jobs, increasing local production and acquisition of goods and services, stimulating business patronage and improving adjacent infrastructure.
Construction began in May 2022 and includes a 10-story New Office Building, Consular, Warehouse, Vehicle Maintenance, Marine Security Guard Quarters, and Utility Buildings along with two Parking Garages and three Compound Access Control buildings. There are currently 900 local workers employed that at peak will become approximately 1,300. Construction is currently expected to be completed in 2027.
Building Performance
The site and building design incorporate a range of energy efficiency strategies to address extreme seasonal conditions and significantly reduce energy demand. A self-shading façade and an optimized building envelope minimize solar heat gain while preserving interior access to daylight and views. Located within the Eko Atlantic community, the new consulate benefits from modern infrastructure, including an expansive seawall that safeguards the development against rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
The landscape design enhances the connection to the natural environment by promoting stormwater absorption and preventing surface runoff. The site is designed to reflect the natural flow of the Niger River Delta, with curved geometry that promotes wind and water movement through the landscape. Furthermore, the project is registered with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), a global green building certification program recognizing best-in-class strategies and practices, with a minimum goal of achieving Silver certification.
Art
The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, will include art in a variety of media, including painting, photography, textile, and sculpture by both U.S. and Nigerian artists.
The collection will seek to create a dialogue of shared values between the people of the United States and Nigeria. Highlights will include site-specific commissions that reflect an understanding of the diversity and richness of U.S. and Nigerian cultural heritage.
