
By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc have resolved their differences and agreed to work together for the country’s infrastructural development.
This followed the apology tendered by Nigeria’s construction giant for its inability to honour some of the lawmakers’ invitations and their decision to accept the apology.
When the Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, appeared before the Senate Committee on Works yesterday, the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, said most of the issues between the firm and parliament had been resolved.
He said, “What we are doing here is a follow-up. We sealed our relationship with Julius Berger and are on the same page. So, whatever you ask Julius Berger, we are also planning oversight on two or three of their major projects. That’s the work of the secretariat.
“If there is any question, let it be about why they pulled out of Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road. What happened on that road is the major thing that we have to ask; otherwise, we just conclude with Julius Berger, and we will have our in-house meeting, and then we will discharge.”
The lawmaker said the company’s absence at their earlier meetings was being put behind them now as the management tendered a formal apology.
“Dr Lubasch, we are aware of your leadership transition, and while we appreciate the complexities such transitions entail, Nigerians’ expectations remain high, and rightly so. Unfortunately, your absence at our earlier meeting is now behind us, as you have offered a formal apology.
“I must commend you for your humility and professionalism in addressing this through your letter, which was routed through me to the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON.
“The letter has been well received, and it represents a positive first step toward rebuilding the trust and cooperation critical to achieving our shared objectives.
“Let me also commend Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its longstanding reputation for delivering quality infrastructure projects nationwide. However, with great reputation comes great responsibility.”
Speaking before submitting the apology letter to the lawmakers, the Managing Director, Lubasch, said Julius Berger Nigeria Plc remained steadfast in its mission to deliver transformative infrastructure projects that support Nigeria’s developmental priorities.
He said for over 50 years, the company has partnered with the Federal Government, State Governments, communities, and other stakeholders to deliver world-class solutions with professionalism, transparency, and the highest standards of excellence and sustainability.
Lubasch identified key challenges in the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road project as delays caused by unresolved right-of-way issues, macroeconomic pressures such as inflation – considering that unit costs were negotiated eight years ago – foreign exchange volatility, and financial strain resulting from delayed contracting, approvals, and payments.
Despite these obstacles, Julius Berger has consistently demonstrated its commitment by pre-financing works and advancing project execution to ensure progress on critical infrastructure projects.
Lubasch urged the Senate leadership to address challenges in delivering national infrastructure, highlighting industry challenges that are not unique to the project discussed nor to Julius Berger, and stressed the need for protecting due process and adherence to contractual cooperation.
“We sincerely thank Senator Barinada Mpigi, Ph.D., for his leadership, and to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his esteemed presence and thoughtful contributions to today’s session.
“Their commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s infrastructure sector reflects the Senate’s dedication to the nation’s progress.
“We also extend our gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and efforts in reforming the forex market, improving security, increasing the minimum wage, and ensuring critical infrastructural development, which serves as enablers for social and economic advancement.
“His Renewed Hope Agenda paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous nation, mainly through the infrastructural development scheme poised to stimulate the construction industry and the broader economy.
“Julius Berger remains confident that through collaborative efforts, we can overcome these challenges and deliver infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and improve the lives of all Nigerians. We are proud to continue playing our role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development,” he added.