By Emmanuel Nduka
German construction giants, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recently commissioned an ultra-modern cashew processing plant in the coastal town of Epe in Lagos State, Nigeria. The commissioning of the facility unearthed excitement, as the project is pitched to support the diversification drive of Nigeria, and provide employment opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians, with thousands of farmers and their households expected to also benefit indirectly from the project.
Interestingly, Julius Berger has been singled out over the years as Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company. But the company which is largely known for construction works, is now exploring the enormous agricultural potentials in Nigeria.
The institution of the mega project comes at a time when industry experts have championed calls for diversification of the nation’s economy to enable Government move away from over dependence on crude oil and its proceeds, which in recent times, has begun dwindling owing to activities of oil theft and other factors.
According to the company, the commissioning of the mega project called “Mighty Kashoo”, which is designed to produce 60 tons per day, is a deliberate effort to diversify into the economically significant agricultural industry in addition to its already thriving construction prowess. The move further births the company’s strategic plan to transform into a conglomerate in the nearest future.
Alluding to this, Chairman of Julius Berger’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu in his keynote address during the commissioning, noted that the occasion marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history as they “are ready to succeed and move in the right direction tremendously for Nigeria, our employees and shareholders.”
Recalling the history of the company in Nigeria, he noted that since 1965 when Julius Berger entered Nigeria with the construction of the Eko Bridge in Lagos, it has always represented a high standard trademark with great value chain.
“We have now strategically diversified Julius Berger from being only an engineering construction entity into agricultural produce processing for which we all know Nigerians have a historical antecedent and understandable nostalgia,” Sunmonu said.
Similarlyz Lars Richter, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, affirmed that by the commissioning of the factory, Julius Berger has inaugurated its first cashew processing plant, marking another significant milestone in the company’s partnering relationship with Nigeria.
“Today we start another milestone in our relationship with Nigeria built from the past into the future,” he said
About Julius Berger Nigeria Plc
Before now, the company has been represented across Nigeria in structural engineering and infrastructure works, and in southern Nigeria through domestic and international oil and gas industry projects.
It is has been involved in the construction of most of Nigeria’s infrastructure, including major expressways and some residential buildings for the Chevron Nigeria headquarters in Lagos. As a company, Julius Berger has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1991.
With an estimated staff strength of up to 18,000 employees drawn from 40 nations and clients from both Nigeria and the global oil and gas industry, Julius Berger’s presence in Nigeria dates back to 1965 when the firm won a tender to construct a N31.2m second mainland bridge In Lagos. The project was a significant civil engineering endeavor as it was the first in the country to be built with pre-stressed concrete. The construction of the bridge was designed in phases with the first phase completed in 1969, and the last phase completed in 1974.
When the Nigerian civil war ended, vehicular and shipping traffic in Lagos State increased and additional road infrastructure such as Eko bridge did little to ease traffic congestion. To ease traffic congestion, the Government awarded Berger additional road construction contracts.
During the said period, the company also undertook other projects in the country. A municipal water works project in Jos awarded by the Government of Benue-Plateau State was the firm’s first construction project outside of Lagos State.
Projects executed in Lagos State at the time included the construction of the Lagos-Badagry expressway, Itoikin-Ikorudu-Epe single carriageway, ring roads and Apapa-Oshodi and Agege Motor Road. The firm was also involved in constructing the 26 mile Lagos to Shagamu portion of Lagos to Ibadan expressway and the Jebba road bridge.
Gradually, the firm trademarked with its big blue B logo, established a reputation in civil engineering works within the country.
