President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have praised Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the successful transformation of the iconic Abuja City Gate, describing the project as a landmark achievement that reflected Nigeria’s commitment to urban renewal, national unity and world-class infrastructure.
The remodeled City Gate was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory. President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
In his address, President Tinubu described the Abuja City Gate as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable landmarks and a powerful symbol of the nation’s identity. He said the upgrade aligns with his administration’s vision of building a capital city that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations and growing global stature.
According to the President, the remodeled monument offers visitors a befitting first impression of Abuja, while the newly installed water fountain, representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, places the landmark among notable public monuments in major cities across the world.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended Julius Berger for delivering a project that has significantly enhanced the beauty and prestige of the nation’s capital. He revealed that the City Gate had suffered years of neglect before the intervention, adding that the First Lady’s concern over its deteriorating condition inspired the decision to remodel the monument.
Wike explained that Julius Berger designed the new concept after receiving the project brief from the FCT Administration and executed the reconstruction, landscaping, installation of the iconic fountain, parking facilities and other visitor-friendly infrastructure within the stipulated timeline.
To ensure the facility remains in excellent condition, the minister announced that the FCT Administration would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the landmark.
He also disclosed plans to further develop the surrounding environment with restaurants, car parks, public conveniences and recreational facilities, transforming the City Gate into a tourism and leisure destination for residents and visitors.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodeled City Gate as a symbol of Abuja’s ongoing transformation and a reflection of a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride.
Similarly, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the monument remains Abuja’s most iconic landmark and a symbol of Nigeria’s hospitality, unity and aspirations.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, noting that the construction giant has remained a trusted partner in the country’s growth for over six decades.
“We do not just build structures; we build spaces that inspire communities,” Lubasch said.
He recalled that Julius Berger was involved in constructing the original City Gate in 1991 during the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja under the administration of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Lubasch explained that the objective of the remodeling project was to preserve the monument’s historical significance while transforming it into a modern public space for future generations.
“Our goal was simple: preserve its proud history while upgrading it into a modern space for the future,” he said.
The completion of the project further reinforces Julius Berger’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading engineering and construction firms, while restoring one of the nation’s most important monuments and strengthening Abuja’s image as a modern capital city with world-class public infrastructure.
