Julius Berger lauds Wike’s visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation in FCT

Julius Berger Nig. Plc has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for his visionary leadership and infrastructural transformation in the FCT.

Its Managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch, gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday at the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, Dape District Section.

Lubasch said that the 4-kilometre road, constructed by Julius Berger, is more than a road.

“It is a vital link connecting communities, creating opportunities, improving mobility, enhancing security, and supporting economic development within Nigeria’s capital.

“The realisation of this road addresses a long-standing traffic bottleneck from Life Camp Junction.

“Residents of Dape, Karmo, Kado, Kazana, Idu, Bora, Guakwa, Gwagwa, Jiswa, and neighbouring communities will all enjoy improved access to the city centre and the international airport,” he said.

Noting the massive technical execution of the project by Julius Berger, Lubasch said that the project’s inauguration was not merely a celebration of infrastructure, but a celebration of leadership, vision and delivery.

“You have rightly earned the title of ‘Mr Project’, I must say so.

“Under your stewardship, the FCT has witnessed a sincere transformation through an extraordinary acceleration of infrastructure developments, which is visible even beyond Abuja.

“Your Excellency, three years ago, when it was announced that you were taking over the FCT, we called our colleagues in Port Harcourt, that have been working with you, to ask what to expect.

“There was a pause on the phone, and then they said, ‘buy plenty of floodlights because you will be laying asphalt by 2:00 a.m. in the morning.” And they were absolutely right.

“You have brought a new time zone to Abuja. We are calling it in Julius Berger the ‘Wike Standard Time,’ the WST,” he said.

The managing director said that the WST is a time zone where work never ends; where the construction work never ends.

He lauded the FCT minister’s vision, energy and unwavering commitment to transform FCT.

He disclosed that since the FCT’s inception in the late 1970s, Julius Berger had always been privileged to contribute to its growth and transformation.

“We remain highly committed to engineering excellence, innovation, safety and the timely delivery of projects that advance Nigeria’s development aspirations.

“Thank you very much for the confidence that you have placed in us,” Lubasch said.

Similarly, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project reflected President Bola Tinubu’s determination to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life of FCT residents.

Mahmoud also commended Wike for his purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Abuja through the delivery of critical infrastructure.

According to her, provision of infrastructure opens up communities and creates new opportunities for residents.

She thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, residents of Life Camp, Dape District, and neighbouring communities for their cooperation and support throughout the execution of the project.

“This partnership is vital to the success of the FCT Administration’s development agenda.

“I am confident that the newly inaugurated road will promote safer transportation, boost economic activities and contribute to sustainable urban development in the nation’s capital,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the project was awarded to Julius Berger in September 2024.

Dauda said that the Arterial Road N5 is one of the inter-district roads that traverses several districts in the city beginning from the Central Business District through the NNPC Towers.

“It traverses through Wuse District in Phase I, and continues through Utako and Jabi in Phase II, right into Gwarinpa and Dape Districts in Phase III.

“In Phase I and II of the city, the road has been fully developed. The current project is, therefore, the Phase III segment of the road, starting from Life Camp Junction up to Ring Road III.

“The section being inaugurated today is the Dape section, having inaugurated the Gwarinpa section in June 2025,” he said.

He said that the completion of the road would open up the area for development, improve circulation and interconnection within the adjoining districts of Phase III – Dape, Gwarinpa I, Idu, and Bora Districts.