Sunday Ehigiator
In a year marked by global economic shifts and domestic fiscal adjustments, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has once again positioned itself as a cornerstone of stability and performance in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
At its 2025 Investors Forum, held virtually on June 24, the engineering and construction giant reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to long-term value creation, operational resilience, and strategic expansion. The forum brought together key stakeholders, investors, and industry analysts, all eager to gain insights into the company’s forward-looking vision and growth trajectory.
Addressing participants at the event, top executives of Julius Berger outlined how the company has continued to deliver on its promise of quality and reliability despite macroeconomic headwinds. From its diversified project portfolio spanning roads, bridges, industrial complexes, and smart infrastructure, to its growing investments in digital innovation and sustainability, Julius Berger emphasised a future built not just on contracts, but on enduring partnerships and responsible development. The firm’s leadership credited its continued success to a robust governance framework, a highly skilled workforce, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs.
Beyond the balance sheets, the 2025 Investors Forum served as a platform for Julius Berger to communicate its broader purpose—nation building with integrity and excellence.
The Forum was notably the first hosted by the company’s new Managing Director, Engr. Peer Lubasch, who assumed leadership in October 2024.
Alongside Executive Director Finance, Mr. Christian Hausemann, Lubasch presented a compelling update on the company’s financial resilience, strategic direction, and forward-looking agenda reinforcing Julius Berger’s enduring appeal to both local and international investors.
Despite a turbulent macroeconomic landscape in 2024 marked by high inflation, exchange rate volatility, and surging material costs, Julius Berger delivered record financial results. Julius Berger delivered a record-setting performance in 2024, underpinned by disciplined execution, operational resilience, and a forward-thinking growth strategy.
The result showed that the Group revenue surged by 27.8 percent to N567.7 billion, fuelled by increased project execution and enhanced contributions from subsidiaries, just as its profit before tax rose by 34.1 percent to N29.6 billion, supported by prudent cost management, forex-hedging through its German subsidiary, and investment returns. Its total assets climbed 48.9 percent to over N1.023 trillion, reinforcing balance sheet strength and prudent financial management and growth.
Julius Berger paid its highest-ever dividend of N3.25 per share, totalling N5.2 billion, underscoring shareholder value creation, in the review period, just as it received credit rating upgrade from A- to A (Stable Outlook) by Augusto & Co., driven by strong governance and financial health.
Hausemann, also emphasised that Julius Berger’s low-leverage model, N162.0 billion cash reserves ensure funding flexibility and capital strength.
He further revealed that today, 44.63 percent of the company’s shares are held by a diverse mix of institutional, pension, and retail investors, and it recently secured a second international contract in the Republic of Benin, solidifying its regional expansion agenda.
In terms of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and digital milestones, it has major investments in solar power, digital fuel monitoring, and adoption of SAP S/4HANA ERP which reflect a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Lubasch highlighted that “Julius Berger’s momentum stayed strong, though the year was marked by economic volatility and shifting market dynamics,” in 2024 as the company’s robust structures, sound governance, and disciplined strategy ensured continued progress and operational stability.
In 2024, Julius Berger successfully executed high-impact infrastructure projects across Abia, Bayelsa, Lagos, Delta, and Rivers states, alongside strategic federal assets in Abuja. Key projects included: Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridge: A Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative unlocking economic potential in Rivers State; Opebi-Mende Link Bridge (Lagos): Easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility; Port Harcourt Ring Road (Rivers): One of the largest urban infrastructure projects in the state, and Delta and Abia State Infrastructure: From road corridors in Warri-Effurun to full reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
Furthermore, it included an international reach, which is a second contract it won in the Republic of Benin that supported Julius Berger’s regional growth strategy.
The company also commissioned landmark federal buildings, including the new Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) headquarters and the rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and commercial infrastructure.
In the review period, Julius Berger’s subsidiaries enhanced both technical capacity and revenue diversification across the Group. For instance, Julius Berger International GmbH (Germany) delivered foreign exchange earnings and led client acquisition in Europe; Primetech and Project Design Engineering: Drove green design integration, fuel monitoring systems, and digital engineering innovations; Abumet: Completed facades and high-grade installations, including over 12,000 sqm of Evonig glass on major towers and Julius Berger Services Nigeria: Strengthened logistics and cargo handling, serving both internal and external clients.
Also, presently the subsidiaries are increasingly accountable for revenue generation beyond the parent company and are measured against KPIs to drive operational independence and profitability.
On governance and stability, Julius Berger’s board leadership transitions were smoothly executed as Lubasch was appointed Managing Director in Oct 2024; Engr. Goni Musa Sheikh was appointed Chairman in April 2025, and Dr. Muhammadu Indimi joined the Board in November 2024.
The Board continues to provide high-level governance through five standing committees. Ongoing board education ensures alignment with evolving global ESG standards and risk frameworks.
Julius Berger is among the first Nigerian firms to voluntarily adopt the ISSB’s IFRS S1 & S2 ESG reporting standards, with a full report due in 2027.
As for sustainability and innovation, Julius Berger’s sustainability remained a core focus in 2024. Specifically, in the area of clean energy adoption, it transitioned to solar across multiple sites; reduced diesel reliance, while in terms of digital transformation, it deployed real-time fuel monitoring systems; migrated to SAP S/4HANA ERP; progressed toward ISSB-aligned sustainability reporting, with the first full report expected by 2027
It also committed N555 million to corporate social investment (CSI) in the review period, to sectors that included education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and reforestation
Indeed, Julius Berger’s 2024 performance confirms its position as one of Nigeria’s most investment-worthy companies. The company’s ability to achieve record revenue and profit in a challenging environment, deliver historic dividends, and maintain a strong balance sheet demonstrates operational excellence and prudent management.
With a proven track record of over 750 completed projects, a forward-looking strategy focused on diversification and regional expansion, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, Julius Berger stands out as a trusted partner for progress and a compelling vehicle for long-term value creation. It is Nigeria’s most trusted engineering and construction group, with over 60 years of expertise and more than 750 completed projects.
As investors seek resilience in uncertain times, Julius Berger’s message was clear: the company is not only engineered for today’s challenges, but also architected for tomorrow’s opportunities. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Julius Berger remains steadfast in driving structural transformation and delivering value that transcends quarterly performance.
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