The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Thursday lauded Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the company’s superlative track record of performance and timely project delivery. The CDS spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Armed Forces Complex in Asokoro, Abuja, which was performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

CDS Musa, who said partnering with leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger, was deliberate, noted that a new Armed Forces Complex became necessary because the current Armed Forces Complex in Area 10, Garki was meant to be a temporary location of the Services – the Army, Airforce and the Navy – and has become largely inadequate.

“So, a new Complex has been designed to tackle this unique challenge,” he said.

He said the location of the new Complex is unique with the surrounding Mpape and Asokoro Rocks in the area, adding that the features will present 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 to deliver on schedule like they have done very efficiently in similar projects of sensitive nature in record time,” he said.

On his part, President Tinubu said the project would 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.

“You never lost any war before. You will win this war,” Tinubu said.

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

The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr Peer Lubasch, 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 commended the President for approving the project.

“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 highest integrity and professionalism,” Lubasch said.

“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,” he said.

Praising the President’s commitment to advancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, Lubasch said it was exemplary and reflected 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 President Tinubu for his actions in the fight against insecurity in the country, among others like reforming the forex market, increasing minimum wage and ensuring critical infrastructure which are enablers of socio-economic advancement.

“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 Gwabin Musa, OFR, for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in driving this project to realization,” Lubasch said.

He assured Tinubu, the Armed Forces and Nigeria that the new Armed Forces Headquarters Complex would 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 centres, 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 also feature a 1,500-capacity conference hall.

The overall infrastructure will be modern and state-of-the-art; tailored to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Armed Forces as they fulfil their mission to protect the nation.

The groundbreaking of the new Armed Forces Complex was witnessed by other top Nigerians, including 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.

Team Julius Berger to the historic ceremony was led by Lubasch and comprised Alh. Dr Abdulaziz Kaita, Oliver Berger, Poul Nielson, James Agama, Johnny Houcha, Salim Haidas, among others.