Get Guardian on GoogleThe International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter has inaugurated its Abuja Branch as part of efforts to expand the association’s national presence, strengthen professional engagement, and advance facility management practice in Nigeria.
The inauguration, held at 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 need for facility management professionals to embrace innovation, digital solutions, and sustainable practices to improve the performance and long-term value of buildings and infrastructure.
Speaking on the inauguration, President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Engr. Sheriff Daramola, explained that the branch would serve as a platform for professional training and certification, industry collaboration.
Student mentorship and stronger networking among built-environment professionals in Abuja and the wider northern region.
Daramola added that Abuja hosts critical national assets including government ministries, hospitals, institutions, airports, and major infrastructure that require strategic facility management.
He called on government institutions, property owners, businesses, educational institutions and service providers to work with facility management professionals in improving the planning, operation and maintenance of public and private assets.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore, represented by the Director and Head of Department, Federal Public Assets Maintenance Department, ChiomaWogu-Ogbonna, said the Federal Government prioritises technology-driven and preventive maintenance to improve the management of its public assets.
In his address, Coordinator of the IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Abuja Branch, Oluwaseun Yinka Alabi, stated that the newly inaugurated leadership was committed to laying a strong foundation for the branch through structured membership mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, professional development and strategic collaboration.
Alabi promised to work with Nnaemeka Samson Ebechidi, Branch Coordinating Secretary and Towobola Adefeegbe, Branch Coordinating Treasurer to establish the necessary operational structures and create an inclusive platform that would strengthen the association’s presence in the Federal Capital Territory.
At the event, some members were recognized for their contributions. Notably amongst them were Engr Samson Opaluwah, awarded the IFMA Nigeria Life-Time membership. Others are Ahmed Abubakar, Muhammed Usman and the late Collins Osayamwen, (IFMA Fellow).
