Julius Berger: We’ll exceed expectations in building armed forces complex

Peer Lubasch, managing director of Julius Berger Plc, says the company will surpass expectations in delivering the armed forces complex.

Speaking during the projects’s flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Lubasch expressed gratitude for the confidence entrusted in the company to undertake the construction of the armed forces headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja.

The new armed forces complex is expected to feature four interconnected buildings with a total gross floor area exceeding 100,000 square meters.

The facility will include offices, meeting rooms, operational centres, libraries, gyms, canteens, and specialised services to accommodate approximately 3,000 personnel.

According to Julius Berger, a state-of-the-art 1,500-capacity conference hall will be part of the complex, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the armed forces in fulfilling their mandate of national security.

“For 60 years, we have been entrusted with the construction of priority infrastructure in Nigeria. And for 60 years, we have delivered reliably, with the highest integrity and professionalism,” the managing director said.

“With the continued support of our esteemed clients and stakeholders, we are confident that Julius Berger will exceed expectations in constructing the new armed forces headquarters complex that stands as a symbol of national pride and strength.”

Lubasch praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of the armed forces and commended his administration’s efforts in addressing insecurity, reforming the foreign exchange (FX) market, increasing the minimum wage, and prioritising critical infrastructure.

‘FIRST PHASE OF COMPLEX MUST BEGIN IMMEDIATELY’

Tinubu, who approved the commencement of the construction, directed Julius Berger to begin the first phase of the project immediately, stressing that it must be completed before the end of his administration.

The president lauded the military for initiating the project and emphasised its potential to enhance the resilience and operational efficiency of the armed forces in their fight against insurgency.

“The project will do the armed forces a lot of good including enhancing the resilience of the military and the relentlessness with which they have continued to prosecute the insurgency war,” Tinubu said.

“You never lost any war before. You will win this war.

“The first phase of the complex must start immediately. It must be completed by the end of my administration.”

In his remarks, Christopher Gwabin Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), said a new armed forces complex was necessary due to several factors.

He said the current facility in Area 10, Garki, which was initially designed as a temporary headquarters for the army, air force, and navy, is no longer sufficient to meet their operational needs.

“So, a new complex has been designed to tackle this unique challenge and the features will present a large measure of security among others,” Musa said.

The CDS said the choice of Julius Berger as the contractor was deliberate, citing the company’s reputation for delivering critical infrastructure projects on schedule and to high standards.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries and military officials, including Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the minister of defence; Mohammed Idris Malagi, the minister of information; service chiefs, the inspector general of police, and other heads of security and intelligence agencies.

Julius Berger’s delegation to the event, led by Lubasch, included Abdulaziz Kaita, Oliver Berger, Poul Nielson, James Agama, Johnny Houcha, and Salim Haidas.