Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the failure to stop the former governors who are now serving as ministers in his administration from collecting life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their states while they serve as ministers.”
The ministers mentioned in the suit are: Badaru Abubakar; Nyesom Wike; Bello Matawalle; Adegboyega Oyetola; and David Umahi. Others are: Simon Lalong; Atiku Bagudu; and Ibrahim Geidam.
SERAP said, “the ministers are to be joined in the suit as Defendants.”
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1855/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers to stop collecting life pension, and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their respective states.
SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers to forthwith return any pensions and ‘retirement benefits’ collected by them since leaving office to the public treasury.”
SERAP is also seeking: “a declaration that the failure by President Tinubu to publicly instruct former governors who are now serving as ministers to stop collecting life pensions, exotic cars, and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their states while serving as ministers is a violation of his constitutional oath of office.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Compelling and directing President Tinubu to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers would serve the public interest, especially given the current grave economic realities in the country.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The appointment of those who collect life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ as ministers is an arbitrary and unlawful exercise of discretion and presidential power of appointment.”
According to SERAP, “While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The Tinubu government has constitutional and international legal obligations to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits while serving as ministers.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The appointment of former governors who collect life pensions while serving as ministers is implicitly forbidden by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international legal obligations.”
“Constitutional oath of office requires public officials to abstain from all improper acts, including collecting ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers. This is clearly inconsistent with the public trust and the overall objectives of the Constitution. A false oath lacks truth and justice. The oath statements require the oath takers to commit to uphold and defend the Constitution.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting double emoluments would ensure that the country’s wealth and resources are used for the common good and benefit of the socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians rather than to satisfy the opulent lifestyle of a few politicians.”
“Compelling President Tinubu to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits’ would ensure that the exercise of presidential power of appointment is entirely consistent with requirements of the Nigerian Constitution and the fundamental principles of integrity and honesty.”
“The following former governors are now ministers in the Tinubu administration: Badaru Abubakar (former governor of Jigawa State and Minister of Defence); and Nyesom Wike (former governor of River State and FCT Minister).”
“Others include: Bello Matawalle (former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence); Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (former governor of Osun State and Minister of Transportation); and David Umahi (Minister of Works).”
“Others are Simon Bako Lalong (former governor of Plateau State and Minister of Labour and Employment); Atiku Bagudu (former governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning); Ibrahim Geidam (former governor of Yole State and Minister of Police of Affairs.”
“The states currently implementing life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ for former governors reportedly include Jigawa, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Rivers. These states owe workers’ salaries and remain the poorest in the country.”
“Several of the pension laws in these states include provisions for six cars every three years, a house in Lagos worth N750 million, and another in Abuja worth N1 billion, unrestricted access to medical attention, and pensionable cooks, stewards, and gardeners.”
“Other provisions include 100 per cent annual salaries of the incumbent governor, security operatives and police officers permanently assigned to former governors.”
“In President Tinubu’s inaugural speech as president, he promised that his administration would be guided by ‘the principle of the rule of law, a shared sense of fairness and equity’, and that ‘Nigeria will be governed according to the constitution.’”
“These commitments are consistent with the constitutional duties under sections 5, 130 and 147, and oath of office, under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
“By the combined reading of these provisions, the Tinubu government has a legal obligation to appoint as ministers former governors whose conduct is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional and international legal requirements.”
“The country’s international legal obligations especially under the UN Convention against Corruption also impose a legal commitment on public officials to discharge a public duty truthfully and faithfully.”
“Life pensions for former governors serving as ministers are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.”
“The convention specifically in paragraph 1 of article 8 requires the Tinubu government to promote integrity, honesty and responsibility in the management of public resources.”
“Furthermore, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo in a judgment dated 26 November, 2019 also indicated that double emoluments for former governors are unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal. Indeed, former governors collecting ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers would clearly amount to taking advantage of entrusted public positions.”
“‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The alleged collection of ‘retirement benefits’ by former governors now serving as ministers amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
17/9/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Obasanjo’s tenure most successful in terms of economic growth, job creation, and inflation rate in Nigeria – Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Nasir El-Rufai
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Nasir El-Rufai , has said the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo yielded the most successful in terms of economic growth, job creation, and inflation rate in Nigeria.
Obasanjo governed the country from 1999 to 2007, as the first democratically elected leader of the fourth republic.
El-Rufai, who served as a minister under Obasanjo, said Nigeria, the most populous African country, experienced economic prosperity during his second term extending from 2003 till 2007.
The former governor said Nigeria returned to “proper integrated planning and we also got lucky” at the time.
He made this known on Friday during a session at the Africa in the World conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa, as he clamoured for the need for proper planning to aid the economic growth of any country.
“We have a planning commission in Nigeria but it has not been as effective.”
“If you look at Nigeria’s economic trajectory, the most successful four to five-year period of economic growth, job creation, and reduced inflation was the period of the second term of President Obasanjo in 2003 to 2007, when for the first time, the country went back into proper integrated planning and we also got lucky,” he said.
“Oil prices began to rise but we did not waste the windfall because we had planned. We had an excess crude account (ECA) that was based on fiscal rule that any surpluses above a certain benchmark price of crude oil goes to that savings account.
“And with that, we were able to get rid of all our foreign debt.”
El-Rufai said Nigeria’s fiscal vigour was at its best in 2007, such that when the global financial crisis took place in 2008, “Nigeria did not feel anything”.
“Nothing was felt in Nigeria because Nigeria had a big savings account; we had huge reserves and we were able to absorb the shock without any internal problems unlike most countries,” he said.
100 Days In Office: Delta APC Denounces Former Member, Hon. Silas Bouwe, Over Comments Praising Oborevwori*
The attention of the All Progressives Congress Delta State has been drawn to a grossly misleading and fallacious press release/statement by one Hon. Silas Bouwe, captioned ‘100 Days In Office: APC Stalwart Hails Oborevwori On Projects’ published by the SpadeNigeria, an online news platform.
For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight, the Party hereby states categorically for the uptenth time that the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is not a registered member of the Party in Delta State having been expelled a long time ago by the State Executive Committee of the Party for various acts of anti-party activities and at no time has he been readmitted into the Party as a bona fide member.
Furthermore, the assertion and reference to him by the SpadeNigeria publication as a former state secretary of the Party is not only a journalistic error of monumental proportions, but also hilariously puerile as it is a well known fact that the factional State Executive to which he once belonged to, was declared illegal by the supreme court.
More instructively, is the fact that, the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is presently a known member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), where he ran as a candidate for the house of representatives for Isoko Federal constituency. It is therefore strange to see him granting interviews, falsely representing himself as a member of the APC or do we now assume that the publishers of SpadeNigeria erroneously referred to him as a member of the APC, instead of APGA to which he truly belongs?
We therefore call on the management of SpadeNigeria to be more circumspect by exhibiting due diligence in their reports as more investigation would have revealed the fact that Hon. Silas Bouwe together with other candidates of APGA in Delta State led by Chief Great Ogboru went into alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) against the APC in the 2023 general elections and this was confirmed by the presence of Chief Great Ogboru at the press conference immediately after the announcement of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by INEC. This alliance was further recently cemented by the appointment of Michael Ogboru, the son of Chief Great Ogboru, as a special adviser to the state governor. The conclusion to be drawn here is that this press release by Hon. Silas Bouwe is a continuation of that unholy alliance.
Albeit, the point that must be emphasized for the purpose of clarity devoid of any ambiguity, is that Hon. Silas Bouwe, lacks character and integrity and a notorious serial liar that consistently engages in cheap political blackmail and praise singing in order to curry both political and financial favours from those in authority. And his present interview in question, must be viewed from that prism as a sheepish effort of seeking political relevance for possible personal advancement in this period of seeking appointments.
The pertinent question is what exactly is Hon. Silas Bouwe celebrating?
Is it the secretive and dubious award of the construction of 3 flyovers at the whooping cost of 78 billion purportedly to Julius Berger? Or is it not the same Julius Berger that the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, used in constructing over 15 flyovers at the cost of about 10 -15 billion per flyover?
As earlier expressed in our press release regarding the 100 days in office of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the entire Delta State is in total agreement that there is nothing to celebrate but abject failure and executive dereliction having surrendered his office and duties to his immediate predecessor who is actually in control of the reigns of power in the State.
Conclusively, Hon. Silas Bouwe, while being entitled to his own warped opinions as to the deplorable state of affairs of our dear State, should do so as a member of APGA or any other political party to which he belongs, but not our great Party and thereby maligning the name of the APC as we will not hesitate to take necessary steps, both criminal and civil, in seeking redress against him.
APC Renewed Hope
Signed
Valentine Onojeghuo Esq State Publicity Secretary APC Delta State
13/9/2023.
Tinubu’s rapprochement with UAE is a key economic diplomacy win, says Omo-Agege
Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative to restore the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), describing it as a key win in economic diplomacy.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s meeting with the leadership of the UAE on his way back from the BRICS summit in India, Omo-Agege who is also the Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said restoring and strengthening mutually beneficial economic relationships is pivotal to the return to sustainable development.
In a press statement issued by Mr. Sunny Areh, Media Adviser to Senator Omo-Agege, the APC chieftain stated that it takes a bold vision and aggressive diplomacy to revive the important economic relationship between both countries which will ultimately see the restoration of direct flights and the lifting of the visa ban.
“Economic diplomacy is a crucial component of the bid to bring Nigeria’s economy back to the path of growth. We need to harness the opportunities inherent in our relationship with major economic centres. That is why President Tinubu’s initiative and success recorded with his meeting with the leadership of the UAE is commendable.
“It reinforces my confidence and belief in the President that he has the capacity to lead Nigeria out of the present economic doldrum to the path of prosperity. Again, I believe Nigerians will find this as an affirmation that they made the right choice in voting him as our President on February 26,” Sen. Omo-Agege said.
He urged the National Assembly and all Nigerians that genuinely desire a better society to rally round President Tinubu.
“The task of rebuilding our economy is a huge one. It requires getting the private sector and the international business community to buy into the project. Thankfully, our President has succeeded in doing that. With the confidence of the business community in Nigeria’s president and his economic policies, we are on track to becoming a major investment destination once again”, Omo-Agege stated.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH LIBYA OVER STORM DANIEL AND RESULTING FLOODS
President Bola Tinubu extends his profound condolences to the government and people of Libya in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Storm Daniel and the subsequent flooding that has severely affected the eastern regions of the country.
The President further commiserates with all families who have lost loved ones in this monumental disaster and sends his best wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have been injured during the tragic incident.
The Nigerian leader assures the great people of Libya of Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity and goodwill during these trying times, adding that this disheartening loss of lives, homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure remains a shared grief that further unites the people of both nations.
“Nigeria is ready to provide all necessary support to assist the Libyan people in overcoming this harrowing tragedy,” President Tinubu concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 13, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW ACTING EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hon. Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The President has directed the erstwhile FIRS Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, to proceed on 3 months of pre-retirement leave, as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243, with immediate effect, leading to his eventual retirement from service on December 8, 2023.
Hon. Zacch Adedeji is hereby appointed in acting capacity for a 90-day period before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.
Hon. Zacch Adedeji is a first-class graduate in accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He most recently served the nation as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, following meritorious service terms as the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and as the Executive Secretary / CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
By these directives of the President, the new appointment takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW NATIONAL COORDINATOR / CEO OF THE NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES AGENCY (NSIPA)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Delu Bulus Yakubu as the pioneer National Coordinator / Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA), pending Senate confirmation.
The National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) (Establishment) Act, 2023, was signed into law on May 22, 2023.
Mrs. Delu Bulus Yakubu is a recipient of a Masters degree in agronomy from the State University of Bio-Technology in Kharkiv, Ukraine, with over 15 years worth of working experience in Social Investment Programme management.
President Tinubu expects the new appointee to convey the highest level of efficiency, transparency, and qualitative service delivery at NSIPA, in his determination to actualize the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES NEW CBN GOVERNOR AND MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR SENATE SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION
President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as listed below:
(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro
(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo
(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor
(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU PROMISES TO RECONSTRUCT ELEME AXIS OF EAST-WEST ROAD; THANKS RIVERS STATE FOR STALWART SUPPORT GIVEN TO HIS ADMINISTRATION
Blessed with enormous human capacity and natural resource wealth, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja, said that neither Rivers State or Nigeria has any business being associated with poverty, insecurity or under-development, assuring that under his leadership, the narrative will be permanently and positively changed.
Welcoming a high-powered 62-man delegation, comprising of leaders from both the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the State House, the President said the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has left big shoes to fill for the new Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and that as one of his most trusted allies, Rivers State will always have direct access to him in their joint march toward sustainable development.
“We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it!
“We are not lazy people. We are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another. I am not a President that will give excuses. I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication to create wealth for all Nigerians. We have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.
“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the nation of people I now lead,” the President thundered.
President Tinubu noted that concerning infrastructure development in Rivers State, he had heard the cries of prominent Rivers sons, with particular reference to the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, linking the Port Harcourt Refinery. On this, the President said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a strong adviser, and would follow up on the issue for prompt action.
“The Honourable Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running and he should be encouraged by the State,” the President affirmed.
Advising the younger generation to be more patient with the processes of government, the President said, “I am the Captain and Chief Salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us. I pledge to work hard, and I pray to God to put me on the right path, not to disappoint Nigerians,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, told the President that the delegation, which included leaders of political parties, and past and present members of the State and National Assemblies across parties, was on a solidarity and thank you visit.
“The people of Rivers State voted for you in the last general elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice. This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the federal government since the inception of democracy in 1999,” he said.
The Governor noted that the delegation greatly appreciated the President for appointing capable sons and daughters of the state into highly strategic positions within his administration.
The Governor particularly thanked the President for the appointments of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity & Official Spokesperson of the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, as well as other sons and daughters of Rivers State into the Boards and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions.
The Governor applauded the President for attracting a $14 billion dollars investment approval for projects nationwide during the G-20 Summit, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State, adding that the State had just allocated 209 hectares of land in support of the new investment.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GBADEBO AT 80
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV), on his 80 years birthday celebration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, said Oba Gbadebo’s visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
The Governor said Oba Gbadebo, who retired voluntarily as Colonel in the Nigerian Army, left the Military with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty in him.
He said: “Oba Gbadebo’s reign as the Alake has been a beacon of wisdom, benevolence and cultural heritage, enriching the lives of his subjects and the larger Nigeria populace. His leadership has been the cornerstone of peace and progress in Egbaland, and his commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage is unparalleled.
“His Majesty’s commitment to peace, unity and progress is well-known and deeply respected. His visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
“On this momentous day, we celebrate not just Oba Gbadebo’s birth but the remarkable life he has led, the lives he has touched, and the legacy he continues to build. His Majesty has indeed been a great source of inspiration and role model to the younger generation.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Lagos State, I wish Oba Gbadebo a happy birthday and pray that the Almighty God continues to bestow on his Majesty, wisdom for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Egbaland.
“As Oba Gbadebo marks this milestone, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years of service to Egbaland, Ogun State and our dear country, Nigeria. May his reign continue to bring prosperity and unity to Egbaland and beyond.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 SEPTEMBER 2023
The Big Five Construct Nigeria Exhibition:
Accolades as leading Brand, Julius Berger and its subsidiaries, is celebrated by quality enthusiasts in Lagos.
The Big 5 Construct Exhibition ended Thursday in Lagos with much accolades from visitors at the event for leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for quality products on display during the three-day international meet.
It would be recalled that Julius Berger had announced recently that its subsidiary companies will be participating at the landmark event. At the just concluded international exhibition, apart from the mother company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, its subsidiaries including Abumet (for premium aluminium and glass works), PrimeTech Design and Engineering (), Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, Julius Berger Facility Management Works as well as Julius Berger Idu Pre-cast Products, were all in active participation at the event in Lagos .
While the Julius Berger brand is uniquely renowned for its extensive portfolio of highly successful engineering construction projects, and the company is now transforming into more than just a construction company that boasts of unique construction capabilities, project management expertise, and state-of-the-art engineering solutions that have solidified its position as a trusted and reliable partner for progress, its aluminium and glass subsidiary, Abumet, displayed outstanding designs, advanced fabrication techniques, offering sustainable solutions to clients’ needs.
Another subsidiary, PrimeTech displayed new and recently updated engineering and architectural designs including its comprehensive range of services, emphasising the company’s signature commitment to delivering efficient and sustainable solutions. PrimeTech’s service offerings include all structural, architectural, infrastructural, mechanical, electrical and pipe design and engineering services as well as work preparation and cost estimation services
Julius Berger Piling and geotechnical services was not left out. The subsidiary displayed some of its products and interacted with visitors to the stand on its piling and geotechnical engineering services with available specialist services in consultancy of varying scope and complexity.
The expansive Julius Berger pavilion at the Big 5 exhibition also had another subsidiary participating. The Idu Precast Products situated in Abuja put on display samples of its block and concrete products all moulded to the acclaimed Julius Berger standard ensuring that they meet the most stringent engineering requirements to withstand every elemental impact.
The Facilities Management Works Services subsidiary also participated with its highly skilled workforce busy interacting with visitors on services available. With the solution-oriented and quality stamp on the also quite experienced Julius Berger Facilities Management Works team, it was clear to significantly impressed visitors that they were the partners of choice for public and private organisations seeking high quality consistent, compliant, integrated asset management solutions.
An early visitor to the Julius Berger stand at the Big 5 exhibition is the Chairman, Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON.
In his remark at the stand he said, “…we have come here to showcase our multi talents and capabilities. We want the world to be reminded that Julius Berger is not just a builder of house and bridges, but that we are into other unique aspects that really affect humanity positively.”
Julius Berger’s Commercial Manager, Mr. Christian Bauer, said the company is delighted to be a participant at the Big5 Construct Nigeria event alongside its esteemed and horizontally integrated subsidiaries. The exhibition, he said, provided Julius Berger with a great platform to showcase the Group’s collective expertise, foster industry collaboration, and highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that will continue to drive Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
As for the CEO of leading properties company, Lichfield Properties Limited, Dr. David Odi “…it was a nice experience moving inside the Julius Berger stand. The feeling I get is that Julius Berger is one big deal where you find a potpourri of highly professional services and products one must require to live a comfortable life.”
THE operations Manager of Abumet, Markus Erhardt was hopeful of the fallouts of the Big 5 show. He said, “…we got valuable contacts and hopefully they would place good orders.”
The Project Evaluation Manager of Abumet, Mr Werner Christian Willegger said,
the exhibition was good. “We expect something productively positive from this exhibition.” Looking around the exhibited Abumet glass and aluminium fabrications in the company’s pavilion, Werner said, “…this shows just a few of our jobs so far and we have marketed this premium grade quality to the equally enthusiastic visitors that you can see.” He added that “…the visitor traffic to our stand has been nice and we are expecting lots of contracts in the next business cycle after this exhibition.
All we had to do was show visitors our perfectly engineered products and they could see the cutting-edge quality for themselves. The marketing was a perfectly joyful activity for us. For Abumet, every client is King, and the feedback we are getting has been good.”
Mr. Karnauke Christoph head of Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, was clearly hopeful of good business post the exhibition. He said, “…it has been a unique experience here. We are very hopeful to convert all the enquiries we have entertained today into concrete contracts soon.”
Other Julius Berger officials present at the exhibition included the Brand Marketing Coordinator of Abumet, Esther Obong-Duruibe; and Mr James Agama and Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr, Heads of Corporate Communications and Media Relations Departments respectively.