Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has noted that the Federal Capital Territory construction sector is facing challenges such as an oversupply of high-end estates, a shortage of affordable housing, weak policy enforcement, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a mismatch between housing supply and demand.
This was disclosed at the one-day Construction Roundtable held at the company’s Centre in Abuja recently.
Julius Berger’s Regional Manager, Region Central and North (RCN), Oliver Berger, identified the high concentration of estates clustered in certain areas, low sustainability focus, in terms of energy efficiency, and aspects of green building as important factors that have been neglected in the Abuja housing sector.
He said, “Abuja currently faces an acute housing deficit as supply is not meeting demand. High land and bureaucracy costs, homes priced beyond the reach of average income earners, and limited access to affordable mortgages and rent-to-own options persist.
“Other challenges currently being experienced in the FCT building and construction sectors include the oversupply of high-end estates leading to a shortage of affordable housing, inconsistent enforcement of needed policies, insecurity issues that deter developers, infrastructure deficits in various areas, and a mismatch of supply and demand.”
He further challenged stakeholders to improve the situation by ensuring durable and resilient housing through the use of quality climate-resistant materials, strong foundations, and structures for longevity, as well as designs adaptable to local weather and environmental risks.
He also called for affordable and attractive living models for different income levels, functional yet aesthetic designs, flexible financing like rent-to-own, mortgages, and cooperative schemes, as well as mixed-use developments that provide residential and commercial convenience.
He added, “Smart urban planning with well-planned layouts comprising efficient road networks, integration of public corridors, dedicated green spaces, parks, recreation zones, and walkable, pedestrian-friendly designs, including ensuring sustainable and global standards, are essential.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of leading engineering construction company Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr Peer Lubasch, reiterated that construction was more than just a technical activity, adding that it is a responsibility that Julius Berger owes to society.
He said, “In delivering its contracts, the company believes and holds that every building, road, and bridge it constructs contributes to a shared story of growth, mobility, connection, and durability. At Julius Berger, we have always believed that construction is more than a technical activity; it is a responsibility to society.
“In the building sector, the company stands for lasting structures of premium quality. In a tacit reference to insinuations of high construction costs, the Managing Director said such may be true, but when you consider the capital and operational expenditure involved, the buildings deliver true value across their entire life cycle.
“The cost of design and construction is only the beginning of the entire relationship. What truly matters is how efficiently a building performs, how little maintenance it requires, and how long it stands the test of time. That’s why our designs focus on energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability, delivering buildings that serve generations, not just decades.
“On the construction of roads and bridges, Julius Berger means durability,” he added, noting that the company has built major arteries not only in Abuja but across Nigeria’s major cities. “Our structures endure decades because they are built with quality materials, sound engineering, and to international standards. We do not compromise. Our structures stand the test of time, and we continue to lead, driving innovation and transferring technology into Nigeria’s construction landscape.
“In addition, the company has introduced insulated glazing, Evonig glass, through its subsidiary Abumet in Abuja, and just recently, we installed the first fully prefabricated unitised curtain wall in Lagos, manufactured locally, a milestone for local content and innovation.”
On the road sector, Lubasch stated that the recently introduced cold recycling technology, a method that is both environmentally friendly and highly economical for road reconstruction, aligns with international standards (the American AASHTO), designed for defined lifetimes, local soil conditions, and equivalent axle loads.
