Julius Berger Nigeria 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, made the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, Dape District Section.
Lubasch stated that the 4-kilometre road, constructed by Julius Berger, is more than just a road.
“It is a critical link connecting communities, creating opportunities, improving mobility, enhancing security, and supporting economic development within Nigeria’s capital.
“The completion 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 neighboring communities will now enjoy better access to the city center and the international airport,” he said.
Highlighting the technical excellence of the project, Lubasch described the inauguration not just as a celebration of infrastructure, but as a tribute to leadership, vision, and delivery.
“You have rightly earned the nickname ‘Mr. Project,’ I must say.
“Under your leadership, the FCT has experienced remarkable transformation through accelerated infrastructure development, visible even beyond Abuja.
“Your Excellency, three years ago, when you took over the FCT, we contacted colleagues in Port Harcourt who had been working with you. They told us to prepare for night-time asphalt laying—by 2:00 a.m. — and they were right.
“You have introduced a new time zone to Abuja. We call it Julius Berger’s ‘Wike Standard Time,’ or WST,” he joked.
Lubasch described WST as a time zone where work never ends, and construction activity continues around the clock.
He praised the FCT minister’s vision, energy, and unwavering commitment to transforming Abuja.
He noted that Julius Berger has contributed to the growth and development of the FCT since its inception in the late 1970s.
“We remain committed to engineering excellence, innovation, safety, and timely project delivery that support Nigeria’s development goals.
“Thank you for trusting us,” Lubasch added.
Similarly, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stated that the project reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Mahmoud also praised Wike for his purposeful leadership and dedication to transforming Abuja through critical infrastructure.
She emphasized that infrastructure provision opens up communities and creates new opportunities for residents.
She thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Life Camp, Dape District, and neighboring communities for their cooperation during the project.
“This partnership is vital to the success of the FCT Administration’s development agenda.
“I am confident the new road will promote safer transportation, boost economic activity, and support sustainable urban development in the capital,” she said.
Earlier, Mr. Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that Julius Berger was awarded the project in September 2024.
Dauda described the Arterial Road N5 as an inter-district road running through several districts, starting from the Central Business District via NNPC Towers.
“It passes through Wuse District in Phase I, continues through Utako and Jabi in Phase II, and reaches Gwarinpa and Dape Districts in Phase III.
“Phases I and II are fully developed. The current project is Phase III, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.
“The section inaugurated today is the Dape segment, following the Gwarinpa section opened in June 2025,” he said.
He added that the completion of this road would facilitate development, improve circulation, and enhance connectivity among the districts of Phase III—Dape, Gwarinpa I, Idu, and Bora.
