Professionals under the auspices of the Nigerian Institution of Builder in Facilities Management (NIBIFM) have been tasked on the need to break barriers that limit diversity, recognition, and technological progress in the practice of their profession.
Breaking barriers limiting the practice of facilities management, the Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, and other experts said, would entail the provision of quality service delivery by practitioners through standardisation, benchmarking, education, mentorship and policy changes.
The experts disclosed this during the investiture ceremony of the new chairman of NIBIFM, Mr Akpatre Ndaw, a builder, with the induction of fellows and corporate members of the group in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme: “FM: Breaking Barriers; Empowering Equality—Akodu Journey Towards Professional Parity”, Opaluwah, who doubles as the guest speaker listed some of the challenges facing the industry to include lack of awareness and skilled workforce; volatile economic conditions; poor perception and acceptance of new ideas; operational problems; funding issues; frequent changes in management; lack of trained and skillful facility managers.
Calling to action, Opaluwah pointed out that facilities management is at a turning point, saying the practitioners have the opportunity and responsibility to transform the industry into a globally respected profession.
“We must break barriers that limit diversity, recognition, and technological progress,” he said.
Most importantly, he urged them to elevate facilities management into a professional discipline with clear standards, ethical guidelines, and technological integration, urging members of the group to be champions of change in their organisations.
President, Nigerian Institute of Building, Alderton Ewa, said the event underscored the NIOB’s strong and continued commitment to fostering specialised disciplines within the building profession, harnessing the vast expertise of builders and other associated professionals to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
“I therefore extend my sincere congratulations to professionals in facilities management on this occasion which is a testament to the increasing growth of the specialisation within the built environment disciplines,” he said
Ewah pointed out that facilities management, as an inherently multi-disciplinary, was significance for builders and other professionals, especially in the context of maintaining buildings, its infrastructure and complex services.
“Facilities managers therefore with their specialised expertise, are uniquely positioned to ensure the optimal upkeep of all such buildings and ancillary facilities.
“Globally, the importance of facilities management is on the rise, as well-maintained facilities are essential for providing safe, healthy, and cost-effective environments for all users,” the NIOB president said.
He urged practitioners on the need to raise awareness about its stakeholders and the policies that drive its success, saying that the sector must also adapt to evolving policy frameworks, workforce dynamics, and technological advancements.
President, Nigerian Academy of Facility Manager and Chairman, Builders in Facilities management, Akpatre Ndaw, said the emergence of facilities management within the built environment sector has become a necessity.
According to him, a complex building would require the expertise of multiple built environment professionals to ensure functionality, economic efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
He lauded the unwavering support and dedication of members to the institute’s growth, saying the event was as a result of commitment, perseverance, and the collective efforts of the newly inducted fellows and stakeholders.
“Yet, our work is far from over. NIBIFM continues to evolve as a dynamic institution that requires sustained collaboration, resources, and expertise from its fellows, partners, and the broader built environment community.
“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with you our esteemed stakeholders to ensure NIBIFM’s foundation remains strong and its impact continues to expand. Together, we will elevate facilities management in Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion Dr.Hakeem Odegade, who’s the Managing Director,/ CEO, Ak. Model Homes and Properties Limited urged both the newly inducted fellows and corporate members not to forget the importance of the profession in creating safe, efficient, and sustainable built environments that support the well-being and productivity of individuals and communities.
“As facilities managers and builders, we play a critical role in shaping the future of our cities, our economy, and our society. We must continue to strive for excellence, innovate, and collaborate to address the complex challenges facing our profession and our world,” he said.
Opaluwah said: “Whether you are a facilities manager, industry leader, investor or policymaker, you have the power to make a difference. Let us work together to shape the future of FM—one that is inclusive, innovative, and professional.
“I can visualize a future where Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, 3-D processing robotics and high resolution imagery will become so prevalent that facility management functions will be proficiently carried out remotely by facility managers.”
“Consequently, an equipment/installation will communicate their functional status and service requests online with the supply chain software triggering a procurement process which ensures real time delivery of spares to robots who effect the needed maintenance services as and when due without disruption to operation.
“The function of the facility manager will then become that of programming and remote monitoring. This is the future and it will soon be here! Are we prepared? The time to do so is now,” the CORBON chairman said.
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