news

US Confirms $537m Lagos Consulate Opening, Boosts Jobs

Published

9 months ago

February 4, 2026

$537m Lagos consulate to open in 2028, creating 2,500 jobs and boosting Nigeria’s economyThe United States Government has confirmed that its $537 million consulate complex in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, will be ready for occupancy in early 2028, a development expected to create thousands of jobs and inject millions of dollars into Nigeria’s economy.

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A United States Mission official disclosed the timeline on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, stating that construction of the 10-storey facility was progressing on schedule despite global economic pressures and tightened US immigration policies.

The new consulate, situated on 12.2 acres of reclaimed land, is described as the largest US consulate project anywhere in the world.

Construction activity was ongoing in late January, with workers visible across multiple floors and trucks delivering building materials to the site.

According to the US Mission, the project represents more than a diplomatic facility.

The official described it as a powerful symbol of the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States, which spans over six decades.

Beyond diplomacy, the $537m Lagos consulate is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits.

The Mission estimates that about $95 million will be spent locally during construction, while approximately 2,500 Nigerians are currently employed across engineering, architecture, construction, administration and technical roles.

Workers on site said the project involved several contractors handling structural work, roads and bridges around the facility.

Some employees noted that construction runs daily except Sundays, with strict safety standards in place.

Construction of the consulate began in 2022 and was initially projected for completion in 2027. The revised early 2028 occupancy date reflects a modest adjustment to the original schedule.

The development has drawn attention amid renewed immigration restrictions under United States President Donald Trump.

However, local workers and observers said the policy shift was unlikely to affect American investment in Nigeria.

Also read: theheute.com.ng/lagos-cult-clashes-leave-at-least-four-dead

The US Mission also continues to expand non-diplomatic engagement, including recently launched free online English courses aimed at improving professional communication skills for Nigerians.

Related Topics:Diplomacy economy featured Jobs Lagos State United States

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

4 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

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The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

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Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.