Julius Berger apologises to N’Assembly, resolves impasse
The Nigerian Senate and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc have resolved their differences and agreed to work together for the infrastructural development of the country.
This followed the apology tendered by Nigeria’s construction giant over its inability to honour past invitations by the lawmakers and their decision to accept the apology.
Speaking when the Managing Director, Julius Berger PLC, Dr Peer Lubasch appeared before the Senate Committee on Works yesterday, the committee’s Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi stated that the issue of the arrest warrant for Julius Berger has been resolved.
His words: “There is no going back on the arrest warrant matter. The matter has been settled. All we need is peace and cooperation for progress.
“We have sealed our relationship with Julius Berger and I think we are on the same page. The inability of the firm to attend our previous invitations has been explained in the apology tendered by its management.
“Engr. Dr. Lubasch, we are aware of your leadership transition, and while we appreciate the complexities such transitions entail, the expectations of Nigerians remain high, and rightly so. Your absence at our earlier meeting, though regrettable, is now behind us, as you have tendered 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 (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, GCON. The letter has been well received, and it represents a positive first step toward rebuilding the trust and cooperation that are critical to achieving our shared objectives.
“Let me also commend Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its longstanding reputation for delivering quality infrastructure projects across the nation. However, with great reputation comes great responsibility,” Senator Mpigi noted.
Speaking before submitting the apology letter to the lawmakers, the Managing Director, Lubasch stated that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc remains 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.
He said 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 only unique to the project discussed nor to Julius Berger and stressed the need for protecting due process and adherence to contractual cooperation.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to 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, his efforts in reforming the forex market, improving security, increasing the minimum wage, and ensuring critical infrastructural development, which serve as enablers for social and economic advancement.
“His Renewed Hope Agenda paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous nation, particularly through the infrastructural development scheme, which is poised to stimulate not only the construction industry but also 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.