CDS hails Julius Berger as Tinubu commissions new Armed Forces complex

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its superlative track record of performance and ability to deliver projects on schedule.

Musa, who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Armed Forces Complex, Asokoro, Abuja, flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praised the military for the foresight on the project.

Declaring that partnering with Julius Berger was deliberate, the CDS said the new Armed Forces Complex became necessary for several reasons.

He said, “The current Armed Forces Complex in Area 10, Garki, was meant to be a temporary location for 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.”

Musa also stressed that the location of the new complex is unique, with the surrounding Mpape and Asokoro Rocks in the area, adding that the features will provide a large measure of security, among others.

“We engaged Julius Berger to do this job not just because they come highly recommended, but because Julius Berger has the track record of performance and the ability to deliver on schedule, as they have done very efficiently in similar projects of sensitive nature in record time,” he added.

For Tinubu, the project will do the Armed Forces a lot of good, including enhancing the resilience of the military and the relentlessness with which they have continued to prosecute the insurgency war. The President encouraged Berger further, saying, “You have never lost any war before. You will win this war.”

Challenging stakeholders on the new Armed Forces Complex, the President said the first phase of the complex must start immediately. It must be completed by the end of my administration.

On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, commended the President for approving the project.

He described the day’s event as a significant milestone in the continuing effort to strengthen Nigeria’s security apparatus by providing a new centralized infrastructure for the headquarters of Defence and all three arms of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to carry out their critical role in safeguarding Nigeria.

He said: “Julius Berger is deeply honored 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.”

Praising the President’s commitment to advancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, Lubasch said it is exemplary and reflects a deep sense of patriotism, adding, “Your leadership has been instrumental to this project, and we are grateful for the vital role you hold in its success.”

He lauded the President for his actions in the fight against insecurity in the country, among others, like reforming the Forex market, increasing the minimum wage, and ensuring critical infrastructure, which are no doubt enablers of socio-economic advancement.

Lubasch assured Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and Nigeria that 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 covering 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 inter-connected for improved communication.

In addition, the development will 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.

Besides Tinubu, top Nigerians who witnessed the event included the Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Information Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Service Chiefs; Inspector General of Police; and Heads of other security and intelligence communities, among others.