By:Chioma Vivian James
The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for spearheading what he described as a remarkable era of infrastructure renewal that is reshaping Abuja and positioning the nation’s capital for a new phase of growth and prosperity.
Lubasch made the remarks during a gala dinner held to celebrate the successful conclusion of 31 consecutive days of project flag-offs and commissioning ceremonies organised as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Abuja. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners and key stakeholders to reflect on the capital city’s journey and celebrate its latest milestones.
According to the Julius Berger chief executive, the extensive infrastructure programme executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) represents one of the most significant periods of development in Abuja’s recent history. He noted that residents remain the greatest beneficiaries of the newly completed roads, bridges, public facilities and urban development projects designed to improve mobility, enhance service delivery and stimulate economic activity across the territory.
Commending President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Lubasch said the administration’s vision is evident in the growing number of completed projects that are delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
He reserved special recognition for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he credited with injecting renewed momentum into Abuja’s development agenda through the completion of long-abandoned projects and the launch of transformative new initiatives.
Reflecting on Abuja’s evolution over the past five decades, Lubasch observed that the city has grown from vast stretches of undeveloped land into one of Africa’s most admired and carefully planned capitals. While acknowledging that development had experienced periods of slower progress, he stressed that the current pace of project delivery has restored public confidence and accelerated growth across the Federal Capital Territory.
“Communities across the territory are once again witnessing visible transformation,” he noted, adding that the scale, quality and speed of execution now being witnessed have created a strong foundation for sustainable development and future investment.
In a light-hearted moment that drew laughter from guests, Lubasch referenced the FCT Minister’s well-known insistence on timely project delivery, joking that projects are meant to be completed and commissioned rather than left unattended.
Beyond celebrating completed infrastructure, he said the gala dinner served as recognition of the leadership, professionalism, dedication and collaboration that made the achievements possible. He described the Abuja@50 anniversary celebrations as an opportunity to honour not only the city’s physical structures but also the institutions, engineers, planners, workers, consultants and residents whose collective efforts have shaped the capital’s success story.
Reaffirming Julius Berger’s deep-rooted connection to Abuja, Lubasch recalled the company’s pivotal role in delivering many of the roads, bridges, public buildings and engineering landmarks that have defined the city since its formative years.
“Abuja is more than a project location for Julius Berger; it is part of our corporate history,” he said. “We are proud to have contributed to its development from the beginning and honoured to continue supporting its future growth.”
He reiterated the company’s commitment to partnering with government and stakeholders in advancing transportation infrastructure, urban renewal initiatives and public facilities that will make Abuja more connected, attractive and globally competitive.
Lubasch also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of fellow construction companies, consultants, suppliers, engineers and skilled workers involved in the FCTA’s infrastructure drive. Describing the achievements as a collective victory for Nigeria’s construction industry, he emphasized that while contractors may compete for projects, they remain united by a shared commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that enhances lives and supports national development.
Concluding on a visionary note, the Julius Berger Managing Director stressed that Abuja’s transformation is an ongoing journey requiring sustained leadership, strategic planning and collaborative effort.
“Great cities are never truly finished. They continue to grow, adapt and improve with every generation,” he said.
As Abuja celebrates 50 years of nation-building and urban development, the city’s latest wave of infrastructure projects stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, strong partnerships and unwavering commitment to progress can achieve.
For residents and visitors alike, the transformation unfolding across the Federal Capital Territory signals not only the celebration of a proud past, but also the promise of an even brighter future.
