The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria Chapter, has called for improved collaboration among stakeholders in the housing sector to enhance standardisation of homes, professional practice and create a livable environment for Nigerians.
IFMA President, Mr. Olalekan Akinwumi, led the call at the fourth Facility Management Advocacy Day, entitled: “Sustaining the Multi-Disciplinary Role of Facility Management: Harnessing the Prospect of Synergy in the Built Environment” in Lagos.
Akinwumi explained that partnership among the professionals would go a long way to bridge the existing knowledge gap in the sector and ensure a sustainable industry that is compliant with global best practices. He said IFMA, as an umbrella body for industry practitioners, is determined to foster professional synergy, which will result in progress for all.
He said: “There are many gaps among the professionals in the building industry and this is a clarion call for everyone to work together seamlessly. It will save resources and ensure that we live in a safe environment.”
The special guest of honour and former Minister for Works, Babatunde Fashola, emphasised the need for political will to enforce deliberations, as well as stakeholders’ willingness to follow through with the recommendations to grow the housing industry.
Fashola, who was represented by Mr. Femi Akinyelure, urged stakeholders to go the extra mile in educating the private sector on how to improve standards in the industry.
He said: “Political will is crucial and in this case, the government is leading the pack and has also created an enabling environment for the sector to thrive. It is therefore pertinent to encourage the private sector to key into this rapidly expanding sector of the economy.”
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Works, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, assured the association of government’s infrastructural assistance.
Olayinka, represented by Mrs. Adenike Said, urged states to key into the dream of IFMA to put a permanent solution to the challenge of building collapse and its attendant loss of life and property.
“IFMA has shown the spirit of excellence in finding solutions to sustainability and maintenance issues necessitated by the population of the state and its attendant questions of transportation, infrastructure, and technology to meet growing needs across the country, especially in Lagos State.
“I charge the association to leverage the opportunities of the strategic position of Lagos as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” he said.
The President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Enyi Ben-Eboh, canvassed the need for professionals to perform optimally to protect the life and durability of houses. He emphasised that with relatively scarce resources, it behooves stakeholders to ensure that end users get value for their money.
Out-going President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Shonubi Olayemi, charged professionals to uphold the ethics of their trade in line with the most superior standard of their chosen fields for a more robust and quality-compliant output.
Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State branch, Gbenga Ismail, who represented NIESV President, Johnbull Amayaevbo, noted that by working together, stakeholders will be able to tackle rapid urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure deficit.
He said: “To address these challenges, we need to adopt a holistic approach to urban planning and development. This means that we need to break down the silos between different disciplines and work together to create solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders.”
Also speaking, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, represented by Olayinka Ebiti, said: “Collective strength in housing sector lies in unity and by fostering collaboration, to pave the way for innovative solutions, sustainable development and a resilient real estate sector.”
