Bennett Oghifo
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter has inaugurated its Abuja Branch as a part of efforts to develop the affiliation’s nationwide presence, strengthen skilled engagement, and advance facility administration observe in Nigeria.
The inauguration, held on the platinum LEED-certified AFREXIM African Trade Center, alongside the 2026 IFMA Advocacy Day, featured discussions on the theme, “Beyond Maintenance: Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Nigeria,” highlighting the necessity for facility administration professionals to embrace innovation, digital options, and sustainable practices to enhance the efficiency and long-term worth of buildings and infrastructure.
Speaking on the inauguration, President of the IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Engr. Sheriff Daramola, FMP, defined that the department would function a platform for skilled coaching and certification, trade collaboration, scholar mentorship and stronger networking amongst built-environment professionals in Abuja and the broader northern area.
Daramola added that Abuja hosts vital nationwide property together with authorities ministries, hospitals, establishments, airports, and main infrastructure that require strategic facility administration.
That sustainable facility administration should incorporate vitality effectivity, water conservation, waste administration, asset longevity and secure, wholesome indoor environments, whereas guaranteeing that options reply to Nigeria’s working situations, together with vitality reliability, infrastructure constraints and working prices.
He referred to as on authorities establishments, property house owners, companies, academic establishments and repair suppliers to work with facility administration professionals in enhancing the planning, operation and upkeep of private and non-private property.
“We must also recognise that sustainable facility management goes beyond routine maintenance. It requires deliberate attention to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, procurement, asset longevity and the provision of safe and healthy environments. Our approach must, however, reflect Nigeria’s realities, including energy reliability, infrastructure constraints and operating costs,” he stated.
In his particular remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore, represented by the Director and Head of Department the Federal Public Assets Maintenance Department, Arch. Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna, famous that the Federal Government prioritises technology-driven and preventive upkeep to enhance the administration of public property throughout the nation.
She added that the Ministry is advancing using digital upkeep programs whereas pursuing partnerships with IFMA to strengthen skilled requirements, construct capability and assist the implementation of insurance policies that promote sustainable facility administration throughout federal property.
In his tackle, Coordinator of the IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Abuja Branch, Engr. (Dr.) Oluwaseun Yinka Alabi, FNSE, said that the newly inaugurated management was dedicated to laying a powerful basis for the department by structured membership mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, skilled improvement and strategic collaboration.
Alabi promised to work with Nnaemeka Samson Ebechidi, Branch Coordinating Secretary and Towobola Adefeegbe, Branch Coordinating Treasurer to ascertain the required operational constructions and create an inclusive platform that will strengthen the affiliation’s presence within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Effective immediately, we shall commence a structured membership mobilisation drive through constructive engagement, strategic outreach and purposeful collaboration with professionals and other relevant stakeholders. We shall consult and engage stakeholders towards a common goal: strengthening our institution and repositioning facilities management as a strategic partner in organisational growth, operational efficiency and sustainable development,” he added.
At the occasion, IFMA Nigeria Chapter acknowledged a few of her members which have contributed to the FM observe in Abuja. Notably amongst them are Engr. (Dr.) Samson Opaluwah, He was awarded the IFMA Nigeria Life-Time membership on the occasion. Others are Ahmed Abubakar, Muhammed Usman and the late Collins Osayamwen, (IFMA Fellow). Students within the constructed atmosphere from the University of Abuja participated within the occasions.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle (Asade Agunloye IV), IFMA Nigeria BoT Chair, was represented by Olu of Olowo Town and Past President, IFMA Nigeria, HRM, Oba (Engr.) Ebenezer O. Soetan, and ESV. Abel Olawaye, FNIESV.
Alongside the occasion, there have been facility excursions of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) and the Platinum LEED-certified AFREXIM African Trade Center to expertise first-hand how infrastructures are optimizing vitality efficiency, lowering greenhouse gasoline emissions, sustainability, improvements, know-how options, good sensors, IoT and are indoor air environmental high quality are shaping the way forward for facility administration in Nigeria.
