By JKNewsMedia
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are ushering in what Julius Berger Nigeria PLC described as an era of “Construction Intelligence,” where its driven solutions are being applied to engineering and project delivery.
Managing Director of the company, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, made the declaration during the 2025 Luminary Soiree held in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said Julius Berger is not only observing the global AI revolution but actively adopting it across its operations.
Lubasch explained that AI is already in use within the company’s laboratories and material testing, where data-driven analytics are improving accuracy, expediting results, and enhancing decision-making in quality control.
“We are witnessing what I would call Construction Intelligence,” he stated.
At PrimeTech, the group’s design and engineering subsidiary, AI tools such as generative designs, collaborative platforms, and automated clash detection are being deployed to shorten planning cycles.
Lubasch noted that the long-term aim is to integrate AI into every stage of design, enabling faster delivery and greater precision.
He added that these innovations will transform Julius Berger into a data-driven enterprise, setting new benchmarks in performance, safety, quality, and client value.
Addressing participants at the event, he encouraged stakeholders to view themselves not merely as guests but as partners in driving innovation.
“Tonight is about meaningful conversations. It’s about building new connections.
“And most of all, it’s about putting ourselves – together – at the front of a global shift that is already reshaping construction,” Lubasch said.
Turning to architects, financial experts, and oil and gas professionals present at the event, he highlighted AI’s role in unlocking creative freedom, improving risk assessment, and accelerating project delivery.
He said the company sees AI as an enabler across its value chain, from predictive maintenance and adaptive scheduling to real-time safety monitoring, faster cost estimates, and contract management support.
Lubasch emphasised the need to balance technological progress with ethical values.
“Embrace intelligence, but don’t lose sight of integrity, fairness, and inclusion.
The future must not only be smart, but it must also be right,” he said.
Guest speaker Mrs Ugochi Agoreyo, a Senior Executive at Google, spoke on “Embracing the AI Smart Revolution – A Pathway to Nigeria and Africa’s Future.”
She explained that the AI smart revolution involves broad adoption of intelligent technologies that enhance human capability.
According to her, AI systems already range from anomaly-detecting models in finance to natural language processors powering voice assistants, as well as predictive algorithms managing energy use in smart cities.
She stressed that AI complements human creativity rather than replacing it, enabling decision-makers to act with precision and foresight.
Agoreyo said the technology touches every sector, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, governance, education, and construction.
She noted that Nigeria and Africa’s youthful population, rising mobile penetration, and increasing internet connectivity provide fertile ground for AI innovation.
Architect Jurgen Willen of offshore architectural firm Willen Associates also addressed the gathering.
He said AI adoption forms part of his firm’s future-focused approach to architecture, urban planning, interior, and product design.
Each project, he explained, is treated as unique while integrating the latest tools and technologies to meet the demands of future users.
The event, which drew applause after each presentation, also provided a networking platform for the Julius Berger Strategic Business Development Team and industry stakeholders.
Notable attendees included the Chairman of Heirs Foundation, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, CFR; Founder of Northwest Group, Mrs Winifred Akpani; Julius Berger Board Member and Chairman of Abumet, Mrs Belinda Disu; former Chairman of the Julius Berger Board, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, CON; Julius Berger Director of Corporate Development, Jochen Stolle; and Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Engr. Akinbo Akin-Olugbade, alongside other industry leaders from finance, investment, banking, IT, and architecture.
