Nigeria’s major urban centers—Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—are experiencing rapid growth, and with this expansion comes a heightened demand for infrastructure that is efficient, reliable, and sustainable. Across government institutions, corporate offices, hospitals, university campuses, and public facilities, the importance of maintaining operational efficiency is paramount. One key approach that can unlock significant value in this context is proactive maintenance.
Proactive maintenance is a forward-thinking strategy rooted in the philosophy of prevention rather than reaction. Rather than waiting for systems or assets to break down before taking action, this approach emphasises anticipating problems and addressing them before they escalate into serious failures. In a country where financial resources are stretched and infrastructure pressure is mounting, adopting a preventive approach is no longer optional—it is essential.
The traditional model of reactive maintenance, which deals with issues only after they’ve arisen, leads to frequent downtimes, increased repair costs, and elevated safety risks. Over time, this results in inefficient operations and lost productivity. Proactive maintenance, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable pathway. It allows for cost control, enhances the longevity of assets, improves system reliability, and fosters safer environments for users and operators alike.
For Nigeria, the adoption of proactive maintenance strategies represents an opportunity to improve service delivery and operational performance across both public and private sectors. Facilities managers and building owners who embrace this model can expect significant cost savings and improved service reliability. The shift also supports broader goals such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and user satisfaction.
Implementing proactive maintenance requires a shift in mindset and strategy. It begins with establishing clear and measurable goals aligned with broader organisational priorities. For example, if a university or hospital aims to reduce energy consumption or carbon emissions, its maintenance team must prioritise the upkeep of HVAC systems, lighting, and other infrastructure that directly impacts energy use. Maintenance goals must be integrated into the overall operational strategy of the organisation to drive real change.
Once objectives are defined, the desired outcomes must be translated into practical, actionable targets. This means converting strategic priorities into specific areas of maintenance focus. If a government agency is committed to improving the lifespan of its assets, the maintenance team must ensure routine inspections, timely replacements, and proper documentation of maintenance activities. Every effort should be guided by a clear understanding of how it contributes to the broader organisational vision.
The next step involves identifying the maintenance activities needed to achieve these outcomes. These activities should be planned, scheduled, and monitored using digital tools that offer full visibility into the life cycle of each asset. From installation to decommissioning, a centralised maintenance platform allows for more accurate record-keeping, better analysis, and streamlined communication across departments.
Technology plays a critical role in making proactive maintenance effective and scalable. With the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, connected platforms, and generative artificial intelligence, facilities can now collect real-time data from equipment and infrastructure. This data enables predictive analytics that can alert maintenance teams before problems occur, allowing for swift and targeted interventions. Automation also reduces human error and helps translate objectives into timely actions that improve performance and reduce operational costs.
In addition to planning and automation, it is essential to track and validate the success of a proactive maintenance program. This requires the collection and analysis of data to demonstrate the programme’s impact. Facilities managers should be able to produce reports that show improvements in uptime, reductions in repair costs, and increased user satisfaction. These reports not only justify the investment in proactive strategies but also provide insights for continuous improvement.
Several practical opportunities exist for Nigerian cities and institutions to lead by example. In Lagos, the state government could implement connected platforms to monitor and maintain its public transport systems. This would help reduce service interruptions, improve passenger experiences, and increase operational efficiency. In Abuja, the administration can apply proactive maintenance programs across public buildings such as the National Assembly Complex to improve energy efficiency and system reliability. Port Harcourt can leverage generative AI to monitor public facilities like hospitals and schools, anticipating maintenance needs and optimising resource use for better outcomes.
Ultimately, proactive maintenance is a cornerstone of modern facilities management. It supports organisational efficiency, lowers costs, and contributes to a more sustainable built environment. For Nigeria, embracing this model means laying the foundation for infrastructure that is not only functional but also resilient and future-ready. As cities grow and infrastructure ages, the role of proactive maintenance in safeguarding public investments and improving quality of life becomes even more critical.
A well-executed maintenance strategy, backed by technology and aligned with national development goals, has the power to transform the way we manage our physical assets. It ensures that maintenance is not an afterthought, but a strategic function that drives progress, value, and sustainability in Nigeria’s built environment.
Mark, PhD, is a fellow of the Nigerian Insitution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).
