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Julius Berger Pushes Low-Carbon Construction, Calls for Stronger Collaboration at Future Cities Summit
Julius Berger Pushes Low-Carbon Construction, Calls for Stronger Collaboration at Future Cities Summit
By: Michael Mike
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has called for stronger collaboration among government, academia, regulators and private sector players to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon construction practices, saying sustainable building remains critical to the development of greener and more resilient cities.
The construction giant made the call during the Future Cities Summit 2026, organised by the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN) in Lagos under the theme, “Building the Future: Scaling Sustainability for Greener Cities.”
The summit brought together stakeholders from across the built environment to examine practical strategies for promoting sustainable construction, improving urban resilience and driving Nigeria’s transition to environmentally friendly cities.
Representing Julius Berger on the second and final day of the event, the company’s Regional Manager, Engr. Thomas Christl, participated as a panellist during a plenary session titled, “Materials, Methods, and Margins: Low Carbon Construction Constraints and Opportunities.” The company’s Chief Risk Officer, Mrs. Shakira Mustapha, also attended the summit.
The panel included industry leaders from Saint-Gobain Nigeria, Alitheia Capital and Enflor, with discussions focusing on the financial, technical and policy challenges slowing the adoption of sustainable building practices.
Speaking during the session, Christl identified the high initial cost of low-carbon construction as one of the biggest obstacles facing the industry. However, he argued that evaluating projects over their entire lifespan reveals substantial economic and environmental returns.
He said although sustainable buildings may require greater upfront investment, they ultimately reduce maintenance expenses, improve operational efficiency and lower energy consumption, making them more cost-effective over the long term.
Christl also advocated the wider use of recycled concrete, describing it as an important solution for reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector. According to him, reusing concrete from demolished structures would significantly cut reliance on newly manufactured materials while contributing to a circular economy.
He urged the establishment of clear regulatory standards and stronger cooperation among universities, construction firms, manufacturers and government agencies to promote the safe and widespread use of recycled concrete in Nigeria.
The Julius Berger executive further stressed that the industry’s challenge is no longer the availability of technical expertise but ensuring that research findings and emerging innovations are effectively shared across the construction value chain.
He noted that architects, engineers, contractors, procurement professionals and project owners must remain informed about advances in greener construction materials and sustainable building technologies to improve adoption.
Participants at the summit agreed that stronger partnerships involving government institutions, academia, financial organisations and the private sector would be essential to overcoming financial, technical and regulatory barriers to low-carbon construction.
Julius Berger also commended the Green Building Council Nigeria for creating a platform that encourages dialogue, innovation and knowledge sharing on sustainable urban development, describing such engagements as vital to building environmentally responsible and resilient cities for the future.
Julius Berger Pushes Low-Carbon Construction, Calls for Stronger Collaboration at Future Cities Summit
Seven ISWAP Fighters’ Family Members, 12 Children Flee Yaganari Enclave, Surrender to Troops
By Zagazola Makama
Seven family members of suspected terrorists, accompanied by 12 children, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI at Mafa in Borno State, following reported hunger and violent clashes among rival terrorist factions.
According to sources, the seven women surrendered at about 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa.
The women were identified as Falamatai Modu, 30; Kelu Yaga, 25; Fada Yaga, 30; Gwaya Kadi, 25; Hauwa Mallam, 25; Maryam Yusuf, 25; and Fanna Kadi, 40.
They were accompanied by 12 children, aged between three months and 10 years.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the women escaped from the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to hunger and concerns over their safety following violent clashes between rival terrorist factions.
The report said the escapees were profiled and documented by the troops and would be handed over to the 24 Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence Regiment for further action.
The development highlights the increasing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North-East, where sustained military operations and internal factional clashes continue to disrupt the groups’ activities and survival networks.
The military authorities said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Seven ISWAP Fighters’ Family Members, 12 Children Flee Yaganari Enclave, Surrender to Troops
Again, Military Neutralise 8 ISWAP Fighters in Precision Airstrike in Timbuktu Triangle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in a precision airstrike at Thethangala, within the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.
According to a Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation followed intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The report said a Guardian aircraft established overhead at Thethangala at about 9:56 p.m. on Aug. 18 and subsequently sighted eight terrorists who had converged and were lying in wait, apparently preparing to attack troops at their location.
Following the sighting, the aircraft conducted a precision strike on the identified terrorists.
“Battle Damage Assessment shows all the terrorists neutralised with no further movement observed after the strike,” the report stated.
The military said the general security situation remained calm but unpredictable, while the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remained satisfactory.
The latest air operation is part of sustained intelligence-led efforts by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist concentrations and prevent planned attacks against troops operating in the North-East.
The Timbuktu Triangle remains one of the areas where terrorist groups have continued to seek opportunities to regroup and launch attacks against military positions.
Again, Military Neutralise 8 ISWAP Fighters in Precision Airstrike in Timbuktu Triangle
NTTF VP Mailantarki tasks stakeholders on grassroots development
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Honourable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has commended the sponsor of the Senior Advocate Cup, Muhammed Sani Ndanusa (SAN), urging more stakeholders to emulate his profound passion for grassroots talent development across Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
Hon. Mailantarki gave the commendation in a press statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Mr Adamu Usman Ahmed.
Mailantarki while speaking during the closing ceremony of the highly anticipated tournament congratulated the various winners across the different categories of Men Singles, Junior Single and the veterans.
The NTTF VP thrilled the audience at the Kaduna Police Officers’ Mess Indoor Sport hall with an exciting developmental announcement.
He revealed that the two finalists of the Junior Singles category have been selected for a special performance camping program at his prestigious Table Tennis Academy in Abuja. Based on their performance at the camp, they stand the chance of securing full sponsorship to an upcoming international youth championship.
The 6th edition of the championship witnessed spectacular displays of talents. In the elite category, Abayomi Martins from Borno State delivered a stellar performance to take home the overall winner’s prize, leaving Kamal Muktar of Kano State to settle for the runner-up medal.
In the fiercely contested Junior category, the host state’s Mustapha Muktar (Kaduna) triumphed over Taraba State’s Harrison Jacob to clinch the ultimate prize.
Looking to the future, Hon. Mailantarki assured fans and players that similar grassroots and elite developmental championships would be organized in other states to ensure the continuous discovery and nurturing of table tennis talents in the country.
NTTF VP Mailantarki tasks stakeholders on grassroots development
Seven ISWAP Fighters’ Family Members, 12 Children Flee Yaganari Enclave, Surrender to Troops
Again, Military Neutralise 8 ISWAP Fighters in Precision Airstrike in Timbuktu Triangle
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Minors in Plateau
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