News & Happenings

On April 17, 2017, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc completed emergency rehabilitation of the existing runway and main taxiways at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, 2 days ahead of schedule, beating the 6 week project deadline and reinforcing Julius Berger’s position as a leading Nigerian construction company, able to fulfill the most demanding requirements for technical projects of immense socio-economic magnitude.

The completed runway was handed over to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria on April 18, 2017, with airport operations resuming shortly thereafter.

To realize the program of works within the highly challenging timeframe, Julius Berger pooled its resources, mobilizing equipment, highly skilled specialist and technical teams from across its operational hubs in Nigeria to achieve a record breaking pace of work. The 400-person strong site team worked around the clock at various stages to complete the milling of 175,000m² of asphalt and subsequent re-laying of 56,200 tons of new asphalt, at a speed of 4,600 tons per day at peak performance, as well as the installation of 82,300m² of special fiber glass grid for asphalt reinforcement and the renewal of the runway lighting and markings.

While the construction itself was intensive, project challenges began long before the first machines started their engines. Thorough design studies, seamless planning, scheduling and logistical coordination were all essential aspects of the meticulously planned time schedule. Julius Berger’s global resource network ensured fast track procurement and shipping of 160 tons of project related materials via a fully chartered Boing 747 cargo plane as well as 4 additional cargo flights, which together, with the sourcing of materials domestically, ensured prompt delivery of required materials to site, making what many thought was impossible, possible.

The timely Rehabilitation of the Runway and Main Taxiways was realized due to Julius Berger’s robust planning capacities, expansive equipment fleet, leading technical knowhow, proactive problem solving and highly skilled staff, and thanks to the support of suppliers and subcontractors as well as the professional of the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and the Special Project Implementation Committee of the Federal Government, which was ably headed by His Excellency, the Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Additional Information

Julius Berger was awarded the contract to repair the existing 3.6 km runway and main taxiways, which were extensively deteriorated with aged asphalt, wide alligator cracking, shear deformation and widespread pothole formation. To repair the runway and taxiways as a monolithic structure and ensure a quality solution that would extend the runway’s lifespan, the airport was shut down for 6 weeks, with flights diverted to Kaduna Airport.

Throughout the entire construction period, Julius Berger’s acclaimed international quality assurance and control processes were strictly adhered to, guaranteeing consistency in quality of asphalt production and general works. Compliance with Health, safety and environmental procedures resulted in an incident free work place, supporting both the safety of staff and also the efficiency of operations, with zero loss of time due to injury.

Julius Berger Synopsis

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a Nigerian company offering integrated construction solutions. The company has been operating in Nigeria since 1965 and its scope covers all areas of construction. Julius Berger is dedicated to utilization of cutting-edge technologies, the continuous investment in staff training and strong partnership with clients. Quality, integrity, safety and sustainability are the pillars of Julius Berger’s structures and behaviors. The company is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and actively seeks out opportunities to make measurable differences in the future of people and communities.