The United States on Friday commenced the construction of its embassy annex, which will accommodate three of its agencies in the Diplomatic Drive, Central Area, Abuja.

The Ambassador, Mr. Terence McCulley, said at the ground breaking ceremony that the project, which would cover 7,500 square metres, would cost $119 million.

McCully said that the building would house the US Agency for International Development, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defence, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

He also listed a five-level parking garage, a swimming pool and a marine security guard quarters as part of the project.

McCully said, “Many of these team members work out of other office buildings, and must travel to the Chancery building for regular meetings.

“After the completion of this annex, they won’t have to leave this property for meetings.

“Their trips farther afield will be simplified within a coherent support structure. This effort will also improve the conditions under which we all work.”

The envoy said the initiative was a signal that the US considered Nigeria as an important partner.

“Our presence here is critical to maintaining that partnership. It is also a sign that the US is solidifying its commitment to staying engaged in Nigeria,” he added.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Olugbenga Ashiru, said the timing of project was important, given the nation’s current security challenges.

“America believes in Nigeria and its future, and takes a long term view on our relations. We will continue to work together for the success of our bi-national commission,” Ashiru said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the new construction further indicated that Abuja was a safe destination for investment and tourism.

He commended the embassy for its contribution to the city’s development.

The event was witnessed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; and members of the diplomatic corps.

The U.S Embassy in Nigeria was moved to Abuja in 2000.

It still maintains a consulate in Lagos and plans to open one in Kano soon.

maclatunji: The CIA and FBI Agents need a conducive environment to work.

Musiwa2: I dont think that is a smart move... He is putting the lifes of his staff in danger... Everybody is moving away from the north. because there will be trouble.. We are been honest with you. Those people up there will end up blowing up the embassy.

Even it will be hard for God to save Nigeria. I am telling you as an honest person. That it will be hard for God to save Nigeria.


This is the honest truth... Because It will be hard for Jesus to save Nigeria.. The chance that Jesus can save Nigeria is less than 10%. The 10% is miracle from the satellite pictures.. This is why they remain in lagos. to protect themself ..


Why take a risk when you know the people you are dealing with... they dont give a shiit about you. Even during sept 11.. they went out on the street rejoicing that Osama bomb the US .. What do you think will happen to the building.

Do you people , think they are acting up the scene.

Even Britian when it was in Nigeria.. Stay far away from them.. they dont even most time allow southerners to ente their houses .. Not to talk about putting sure where 98% chance they will end up bombing up the building.

Sun of god:

Maybe its in anticipation of Nigeria's split.

Maybe the yanks plan to patrol the new borders created between 'old Nigeria' and 'new Nigeria' to keep the moslems at bay?

Billyonaire: America is a funny country, Nigeria is insecure, yet they are re-strategizing and expanding consulate building....

Billyonaire: America is a funny country, Nigeria is insecure, yet they are re-strategizing and expanding consulate building....

dasparrow:

I know right? and then when I call americans and their government conniving vultures, some confused forumites will be demanding for my head on a silver platter. Why do americans need to build a department of defence in Nigeria for? and a center for disease control? like seriously! Nigerians better shine their eyes because americans cannot be trusted. I have said my own. Let him/her who has ears hear.

Billyonaire: Nigeria is a goldmine, those who know it know it....I laugh when Nigerians cant see they are sitting on goldmine, but I guess many people need to go wash white man's toilet before they come back and invest in this near-zero-tax economy.

Sun of god:

http://www.pilotafrica.com/2012/06/29/u-s-embassy-in-nigeria-begins-119m-annex-project/

manny4life:


Haba, that'[s not true na, every business pays taxes even employees pay income tax and it ain't "near zero" either. The only difference in my opinion, there's less stress than the west. Here you PAY EVERYTHING. Even the bills can run someone crazy as opposed to Nigeria, you're not burdened so much.

manny4life:


Haba, that'[s not true na, every business pays taxes even employees pay income tax and it ain't "near zero" either. The only difference in my opinion, there's less stress than the west. Here you PAY EVERYTHING. Even the bills can run someone crazy as opposed to Nigeria, you're not burdened 'enslaved' so much.

supereagle: The country oil is their target.

Billyonaire: How many people open up annual income ledgers for IRS to audit and allot appropriate taxation bro ?

manny4life:

IDK, what I do know is that it's not for people or businesses to open their ledgers for IRS audits, however, when you file your taxes, you send in supporting documentation to IRS via mail. IRS auditing every single business is a daunting task, IRS does not expect you to file exact numbers if you're a small business, however, they expect that you file something within the range.

Small business have revenue class; like businesses who under $1million might under a different IRS code might not be subject to strict audits as opposed to others that make $10+million per year. Like I said, when you file your quarterly reports with IRS, the business will send proof of documentations. In most cases, large companies require third party or CPA's firms/audit firms to do their tax fillings because it's really complicated dealing with IRS.

Sun of god:

Federal taxes, state taxes - and the worst one off all - TIPS!

Never could understand why 'tips' were seen as the norm in the states.

Blyss: This is a big investment into the Nigerian economy by the US gov. It'll give a lot of jobs to Nigerian construction workers. Why you'all complaining for?

Billyonaire: You have spoken well, but the documents you send through is email could be doctored in your favor, every businessman is venture capitalist in nature with high degree of greed. There is no corporate database, there is no employer identification numbers, its a near-zero tax kingdom. No cases of tax fraud and evasion as its predominant in other countries.

manny4life:



You're right, that's the laxity and loophole within the system (although I like it that way)

Until we change the way things are done, VC and business men will let off loosely.

manny4life:


If I understand, you're referring to the "TIPS" portion of your taxes right? They are because most states and even the FG (uncle same) recognize tip as a form of wage or income and are subjected to taxes as by the IRS code.

Billyonaire: No one is complaining, we are saying....why cast a bleak future about our country, and tell the entire world and your citizen its not safe to live here but they are expanding their consular presence ? Its gets us thinking and reasoning.

Sun of god:

I was more refering to something I noticed whilst there - when you eat out for some reason waitresses seemed to think tips were compulsory rather than optional.

I seemed to remember getting a few bad looks when I first started eating out and only would pay for the food. Afterwards I realised that you will get frosty looks if you dont tip.

I never realised tips were subject to tax - I always presummed they were a gift. (The US sucks!)

From what I understand there is no actual law that requires people to pay taxes (codes/bills/acts are not laws)

I've seen some video's from ex IRS agents who have turned 'whistleblowers' who have exposed the 'tax racket' that's taking place in the US.

US citizens have been enslaved by the IRS - they have become liable through ignorannce for the national debt which they and their future generations have no chance of paying up.