The Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Property & Facilities International (GPFI) Group, Dr Muhammad Balogun, has called for industry-wide reforms, including the passage of the pending Facilities Management Bill at the National Assembly and full implementation of Executive Order 11, which mandates the maintenance of public buildings.
Balogun, who made the call at the company’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Lagos, charged industry stakeholders, “The future of the facilities management (FM) industry rests on our ability to embrace technology, invest in people, and secure supportive legislation.”
He also announced the acquisition of Filmo FM’s facilities management business, as part of a strategic growth plan to deepen its market presence and expand its impact across Africa.
Balogun described the milestone as not just a celebration of longevity but a testament to resilience, innovation, and vision in Nigeria’s FM industry. “What began as the bold dream of our founding leaders has blossomed into a formidable force, driven by pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence,” he said, paying tribute to the company’s late co-founder, Mr Inam Udoma.
He highlighted the company’s evolution from its early days joining the WSP Group in 2003, restructuring several times, and merging WSP FMC with Domme Facilities Management in 2012 into a firm with global recognition.
Despite challenges that threatened its foundation, GPFI had demonstrated “tenacity, staying power, and professionalism,” Balogun noted, citing the company’s ability to reinvent itself while shaping industry standards.
In line with its sustainability commitments, he said the company has signed on to major global initiatives, including the UN Global Compact Water Mandate in 2023, an Ecovadis sustainability benchmarking partnership, and a World Economic Forum declaration on carbon emissions in 2024.
“For us, facilities management is not about maintaining buildings. It is about creating spaces that inspire, heal, educate, and nurture. It is about safety, technology, accessibility, and sustainability,” he said.
Looking ahead, Balogun pledged that the company would continue to lead innovation in FM through data-driven solutions, investment in talent, and expansion across Africa and beyond.
The company’s Chairman of the Board of GPFI, Adedoyin Adeyinka, reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and client-focused service.
Highlighting key milestones, the Chairman noted that the company has managed some of the region’s most iconic properties, broadened its portfolio across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities, and pioneered technology-driven and sustainable solutions.
Adeyinka pledged to strengthen its leadership in facilities management by embracing smart building technologies, meeting sustainability demands, and responding to evolving client needs.
