In Lagos, at the fourth Facility Management Advocacy Day, Mr. Olalekan Akinwumi, the President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria Chapter, called for greater cooperation among stakeholders in the housing sector. He emphasised the importance of standardising homes and professional practice to create a more liveable environment for the people of Nigeria. The event titled “Sustaining the Multi-Disciplinary Role of Facility Management: Harnessing the Prospect of Synergy in the Built Environment” highlighted the need for collaboration and synergy to achieve these goals. A sustainable industry that adheres to global best practices can be achieved by fostering collaboration between professionals, thereby overcoming the prevailing knowledge gap.
He emphasised that IFMA, functioning as a unifying body in the space of industry professionals, is unwavering in its commitment to cultivating good collaboration among practitioners. This concerted effort is poised to yield advancement for all involved. He pointed out numerous deficiencies within the building industry exist amongst professionals, necessitating a resounding call for seamless cooperation from every individual. By doing so, valuable resources can be conserved, creating a secure living environment. Also, Babatunde Fashola, the special guest and former Works Minister, stressed the crucial role of political determination in driving discussions forward. He highlighted the importance of stakeholders’ commitment to implementing the suggestions and bolstering the housing sector.
A solution will be found for the problem to building collapses.
Represented by Mr. Femi Akinyelure at the event, Fashola emphasised the need for stakeholders to extensively educate the private sector on enhancing standards within the industry. He stressed the significance of political determination, noting that the government takes the lead in this regard and has effectively established a conducive atmosphere for the sector to flourish. Thus, it is crucial to motivate the private industry to actively participate in this rapidly growing sector of the country’s economy.
Furthermore, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Works, assured the association regarding the government’s commitment to infrastructural aid. Represented by Mrs. Adenike Said, Olayinka urged all states to align with the vision of IFMA in order to find a lasting resolution for the persistent problem of building collapses, minimising the devastating consequences on both human lives and property. He expressed that the association had the responsibility to make the most of Lagos’ strategic location, being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The longevity and safety of residential properties must be ensured.
IFMA’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for maintenance issues in Lagos State and nationwide, including transportation, infrastructure, and technology challenges posed by population growth, demonstrates its unwavering dedication to excellence. Similarly, Enyi Ben-Eboh, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, emphasised the importance of professionals delivering at their best to ensure the longevity and safety of residential properties. The stakeholders have a responsibility to guarantee that the people derive maximum value from their limited resources, he added.
Shonubi Olayemi, the outgoing President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), urged professionals to maintain the ethical principles of their profession, abiding by the highest standards of their respective fields. This will result in a stronger, more high-quality output that complies with quality requirements. In addition, Olayinka Ebiti, representing the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, emphasised that the key to success in the housing industry relies on the collective efforts and cooperative endeavours, as they pave the path for innovative solutions, sustainable progress, and a lasting real estate sector.
Barriers in various disciplines of the sector must be resolved.
Lastly, Gbenga Ismail, the representative of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) President, Johnbull Amayaevbo of the Lagos State branch, emphasised the vital importance of collaboration among stakeholders to combat the pressing issues of increasing urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure deficiency. Ismail emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive approach towards urban planning and development as the solution to these challenges. In order to adequately satisfy all stakeholders, it is imperative to resolve the barriers between various disciplines and collaborate together, resulting in innovative solutions.
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