By Uche Amunike
Formidable engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has announced that it has landed the contract to build the new Armed Forces Complex, in Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking through a statement, the Julius Berger management stated that the declaration was made by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, who explained that it was expedient to build a new armed forces complex because the current Armed Forces complex in Area 10, Garki was meant to be a temporary location of the services, namely, Army, Air Force and Navy. However, it has become lately inadequate, hence the need to design a new complex, so as to solve this challenge.
The location of the new complex is unique with the surrounding Mpape and Asokoro rocks in the area. He also stated that the features will present a great measure of security among other things.
It read: ‘According to the Chief of Defence Staff, who also declared that partnering with Julius Berger was deliberate, a new Armed Forces Complex became necessary for some reasons. He noted that the current Armed Forces Complex in Area 10, Garki, was meant to be a temporary location of the services; that is, the Army, Air Force, and the Navy. But it has become largely inadequate. So, a new complex has been designed to tackle this unique challenge, and the location of the new complex is unique with the surrounding Mpape and Asokoro Rocks in the area. The CDS added that the features will present a large measure of security, among other things.’
‘We engage Julius Berger to do this job not just because they come highly recommended but because they have the track record of performance and deliver on schedule like they have done very efficiently in similar projects of a sensitive nature in record time.’
President Tinubu, while describing the day’s event as an important milestone in the continuous effort to strengthen Nigeria’s security apparatus, challenged stakeholders on the new Armed Forces complex, stating that the first phase of the complex must commence immediately and must be finished by the end of his administration.
He also explained the need for a new centralized infrastructure for the headquarters of defense, and all the three arms of Nigeria’s armed forces to carry out the critical rules in safeguard the country.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, lauded President Tinubu for approving the project, while giving his assurances that the new complex would be solidly built with high standards to support the security requirements of the country.
His words: ‘Julius Berger is deeply honoured to be the contractor of choice for this iconic project. 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. 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.’
‘Your leadership has been instrumental to this project, and we are grateful for the vital role you hold in its success.’
‘We congratulate you on these continued successes and commend your approval of this landmark project. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in driving this project to realization.’
‘The new Armed Forces Headquarters Complex will be constructed to the highest standards to support the complex and dynamic security requirements of a rapidly developing nation.’
‘The project is designed with four buildings of a total gross floor area of more than 100,000 m², including offices, meeting rooms, operational centers, libraries, gyms, canteens, and additional specialized services and facilities, to accommodate about 3,000 personnel. All structures are interconnected for improved communication. In addition, the development will also feature a 1,500-capacity conference hall. The overall infrastructure will be modern and state of the art, tailored to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Armed Forces as they fulfill their mission to protect the nation.’
