Introduction
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter recently hosted a colloquium in collaboration with Big 5 Construct Nigeria to highlight the crucial role of safety in achieving sustainable facility management. The event brought together industry experts to discuss challenges and solutions, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety for people, the environment, and the economy.
Key Points
- Safety as a Foundation: IFMA Nigeria underscored the significance of safety as a fundamental element in sustainable facility management. A safe environment is essential for ensuring successful economic activities and protecting people’s well-being.
- Early Integration: The organization emphasized the importance of incorporating facility management principles from the early stages of building projects to prioritize safety and sustainability.
- Technology’s Role: Speakers highlighted the growing importance of technology in enhancing facility management practices. Building information systems and other technological advancements can help identify potential safety hazards and enable proactive management.
- Government Support: The Lagos State Safety Commission emphasized the need for government support and regulations to promote safety in the built environment. The commission’s focus on risk evaluation, engagement, education, and enforcement is crucial for ensuring safety standards are met.
Key players in the building industry recently came together at a special colloquium organized by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter in collaboration with the Big 5 Construct Nigeria. Held on September 25, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre, the event focused on the vital role of safety in achieving sustainable facility management.
The well-attended event gathered industry experts from across the built environment to discuss pressing challenges and propose solutions. During the discussions, the importance of safety as a critical element in sustainable facility management was highlighted.
In his address, ESV Olalekan Akinwunmi, President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, underscored the significance of sustainable facility management for people, the environment, and the economy. He noted, “Facility management revolves around people, the environment, and economic activities. Without a safe environment, no economic activities can take place.”
Akinwunmi also pointed out that IFMA Nigeria has been promoting sustainable facility management for over 27 years, particularly emphasizing the importance of incorporating facility management principles from the outset of building projects.
Dr. Lanre Omojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), reinforced the need to prioritize safety to ensure sustainable facility management. He emphasized the importance of identifying potential safety hazards early and addressing them to prevent disasters that could jeopardize facilities.
“The Lagos State Safety Commission was established to ensure safety in a rapidly growing state. Our primary goal is to protect lives by preventing accidents that could result in injuries, fatalities, or permanent disabilities,” Omojola stated. He outlined the Commission’s approach, which focuses on four key areas: risk evaluation, engagement, education, and enforcement.
Another speaker, Modupe Odude, Managing Director of Benign Space, addressed the theme “The Role of Technology in Sustainable Facility Management.” She highlighted how technology has become an essential tool for improving facility management practices.
“From the inception of a building, stakeholders can now leverage technology to enhance facility management,” Odude explained. She emphasized the growing adoption of technology in the field, which allows for real-time data collection and system monitoring. For example, building information systems can provide early alerts to potential issues in systems like water treatment, allowing for proactive management.
Odude added, “Technology, along with supportive policies, has significantly contributed to the advancement of facility management in Nigeria.”
Other notable speakers included Ms. Iyabode Aboaba, COO of Freedom Park; ESV Stephen Ola Jagun, Managing Partner at Jagun Associates; and Mr. Segun Adebayo, Immediate Past President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter.
Conclusion
The colloquium served as a platform for industry professionals to discuss the critical role of safety in sustainable facility management. By prioritizing safety and leveraging technology, stakeholders can create safer, more sustainable, and efficient facilities.

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