Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have unveiled an innovative eco-friendly road construction technology, known as the Bitumen Stabilised Method (BSM), also referred to as Cold Recycling Technology. The technology, which reuses existing asphalt materials without applying heat, was showcased at the 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly in Abuja, drawing significant attention from industry experts and policymakers.
The technology was presented by Dr. Amodu Ismaila, the Road Construction Network (RCN) Project Coordinator at Julius Berger, who highlighted its application in major road rehabilitation projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road project.
According to Ismaila, the Cold Recycling Technology offers significant environmental and economic benefits, making it an attractive alternative to conventional road construction methods.
“Cold Recycling Technology is an innovative and sustainable method that helps reduce construction costs, minimise environmental impact, and shorten project timelines,” Ismaila explained. “It improves road safety, extends pavement lifespan, and increases road capacity, which has earned Julius Berger multiple industry awards.”
The Bitumen Stabilised Method works by reusing old road materials, mixing them with bitumen and other stabilising agents, eliminating the need for excessive quarrying of new aggregates. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional hot asphalt production.
The Julius Berger and ABU partnership received high praise from engineers and participants at the COREN event, many of whom thronged the company’s exhibition stand to learn more about the technology. The cooperative effort between industry and academia was described as a model for advancing local engineering capacity in Nigeria.
Ismaila noted that the collaboration demonstrates how research-driven innovations can be deployed to tackle Nigeria’s road infrastructure challenges. “The partnership between Julius Berger and Ahmadu Bello University is a clear example of how industry and science can work together to deliver sustainable solutions,” he said.
At the opening session, Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, commended Nigerian engineers for their contribution to infrastructure development. Represented by Ashley Emenike, Mpigi emphasised that engineers are “not just technical experts but strategic nation builders” whose work supports economic growth, industrialisation, and national development.
The senator also revealed that over 420 federal roads, bridges, and projects have been completed or significantly advanced under the current administration, stressing the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure.
The 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly, themed “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria: Professionalism, Compliance, and Remunerations,” brought together engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on best practices, ethical standards, and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
With rising costs of construction materials and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure, analysts believe the adoption of eco-friendly methods like the Cold Recycling Technology will become a game-changer in Nigeria’s road construction sector. If widely implemented, experts say the technology could help the government save billions of naira, extend road durability, and reduce environmental degradation caused by conventional road-building practices.