Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Ahmadu Bello University have showcased an eco-friendly road construction innovation, the Bitumen Stabilised Method, exciting engineers at the 33rd COREN Engineering Conference in Abuja.
In a statement, it was noted that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University, captivated engineers and other participants at the recently concluded 33rd COREN Engineering Conference held in Abuja.
It stated, “The novel construction technology, also known as Cold Recycling Technology, is the application of the Bitumen Stabilised Method, one of its innovative models, to fix roads under rehabilitation in the country.“
The RCN Project Coordinator, Dr. Amodu Ismaila, who disclosed this in his presentation at the Assembly, noted that cold recycling technology was one sustainable innovation that has helped Julius Berger in prosecuting its road construction projects across Nigeria.
Ismaila drew inferences from the company’s Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road project, where the technology was applied.
He said, “Cold Recycling Technology is an innovation, which is very helpful in easing road construction works at Julius Berger.
The technology is an asphalt pavement rehabilitation method that reuses existing materials without the application of heat, resulting in benefits such as lower cost, lesser environmental impacts, and reduced construction time compared to non–recycling-focused rehabilitation options.
“It is an innovative, sustainable construction method with environmental and economic benefits that has led Julius Berger into a unique cooperative partnership between industry (Julius Berger) and science (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria).”
On why this technology was recommended, Ismaila posited that numerous benefits for all-around value abounded: “They include shorter construction times that conserve resources and ensure cost efficiencies are realised. It also improves road safety, extends the lifespan of roads, and increases the road’s capacity. Some of the major industry-related awards won by Julius Berger in the last few years were because of the application of the technology in fixing Nigerian roads.”
At the event, which also featured exhibitions by engineering firms and related organisations, participants besieged Julius Berger’s stand, wanting to know more about the technology and its multi-applications in the road construction industry.
In his goodwill message at the opening of the 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Mpigi, represented by Ashley Emenike, praised engineers as essential to Nigeria’s development, stressing that their work forms the backbone of the nation’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and industrial advancement.
He further declared that Nigerian engineers were not merely technical experts but strategic nation builders who deserve a central role in policymaking.
He said, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, I must reaffirm that engineering remains a cornerstone of national development. Based on implementation reports and oversight missions by my committee, we estimate that over 420 federal roads, bridges, and projects have either been completed or advanced significantly within this administration.”
The conference, themed ‘Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria: Professionalism, Compliance, and Remunerations, is an annual event that draws attendance from engineering professionals from across the country to deliberate on engineering ethics, infrastructure standards, and national development.
