By JKNewsMedia
REAFFIRMING CONFIDENCE in Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has described the engineering construction company as highly competent in handling complex infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Northern Parkway (N8/9) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III in Abuja, the minister said Julius Berger had the proven ability to execute projects of such magnitude without the need for continuous supervision.
He remarked that although the project was conceived before the N5 road at Life Camp, it had been awarded to Julius Berger due to the company’s reputation for competence and reliability.
According to Wike, Julius Berger’s scale of operation and capacity justified its selection.
He stated that the company had established a track record of delivering without the need for constant monitoring, adding that its competence had earned national recognition.
The minister expressed concerns about the 30-month timeline attached to the project, noting that he may no longer be in office by then.
He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s directive under the “New Hope” agenda, which emphasises transforming Abuja into a city comparable to leading capitals around the world.
Wike stressed that road infrastructure remained central to urban development and visual appeal, particularly when viewed at night with road networks and street lighting showcasing the city’s beauty.
“Without road infrastructure, it will be difficult to truly compare this city with others across the world,” he said.
“Under the New Hope agenda of Mr President, we are changing the narrative to make sure that Abuja competes globally, and we are doing so with companies like Julius Berger championing this cause.”
Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, while expressing gratitude to the FCT Administration for awarding the contract, said the Northern Parkway project aligns with the Abuja Master Plan.
He explained that the project would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, enhance security, create jobs, and accelerate development in surrounding districts.
Lubasch detailed that the Northern Parkway was designed as a 10-lane dual carriageway with main and service carriageways, making it a landmark infrastructure that would improve mobility and inter-district integration.
He disclosed that piling works had already commenced before the official flag-off and highlighted major components, including a two-span, 40-metre river bridge, a full cloverleaf interchange at the intersection with Ring Road II, as well as advanced drainage, power supply, lighting, and media ducting systems.
He assured that the project would be completed within the stipulated 30 months, emphasising Julius Berger’s history of delivering on time and to international standards.
“We have consistently delivered projects within scope and with outstanding quality.
“The successful delivery of this project in record time will reaffirm our values of professionalism, efficiency, quality, and excellence,” Lubasch said.
The Julius Berger chief executive commended Wike’s leadership style, describing the minister as “Mr Project.”
He noted that under Wike’s supervision, the company had learned that deadlines were non-negotiable.
“When Chief Wike says, ‘I want it delivered,’ we know he does not mean tomorrow or next week – he means yesterday,” he said.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by members of the National Assembly, political appointees, Area Council chairmen, mandate secretaries, officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, and senior executives of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
Among the company’s officials present were the Regional Manager for Central and North, Engr. Oliver Berger, Engr. Dr. Ismaila Amodu, Engr. Johnny Houchan, and Salim Haidar.
