Promoting Responsible Building Facility Management in Nigeria
In a landmark legislative development, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has introduced a bill to establish the Nigerian Institute of Facilities Management. This bill has garnered widespread acclaim from stakeholders within the building sector, marking a significant step towards ensuring the responsible care, maintenance, and management of building facilities across the nation.
The Sponsor and Its Purpose
Sponsored by Hon. Philip Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, the bill aims to empower professionals in facility management with the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee the upkeep and preservation of building facilities. The bill’s primary goal is to prevent the gradual deterioration of critical infrastructure assets over time, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness.
The Role of Facility Management
Paul Erubami, President of the Associations of Facilities Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AFMPN), is one of the bill’s most vocal supporters. Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Erubami underscored the importance of facility management in national infrastructure development. He praised the bill for embedding facility management principles into the planning and execution of infrastructure projects, ensuring these principles become integral to both public and private sector operations.
Erubami also highlighted AFMPN’s role in training and equipping facilities managers across Nigeria. The organization’s vision is to see facility management principles deeply integrated into Nigerian leadership and public administration, ultimately enhancing the country’s infrastructure.
Ensuring Longevity and Value
According to Erubami, the bill’s core objective is to ensure that facilities are planned, designed, and delivered with embedded facility management principles. This approach will enable structures to last longer and fulfill their intended purposes more effectively. The bill addresses the often-overlooked gap between the construction and commissioning of facilities by providing professional guidance for their sustainable operation and management.
Key Distinction
It’s important to note the distinction between the Land Use Act and the Facilities Management Bill. While the Land Use Act deals with land ownership and transfer, the Facilities Management Bill focuses on the maintenance, care, and management of the buildings and infrastructure situated on the land. This distinction ensures that the bill addresses a critical, yet frequently overlooked, aspect of infrastructure management.
The Broad Impact
Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House and the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the 10th Assembly’s dedication to passing laws that improve the lives of Nigerians. He highlighted that housing is a universal concern, affecting every individual regardless of age, wealth, or status. The bill’s benefits extend to all Nigerians, including stakeholders, lawmakers, and the broader population.
Agbese reminded stakeholders that everyone lives or works in a building, and no one wants to see their building collapse or deteriorate. This bill aims to ensure the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
A Call for Support
In conclusion, this bill represents a monumental step forward in promoting responsible building facility management in Nigeria. It seeks to safeguard the nation’s infrastructure, ensure the longevity of its buildings, and improve the quality of life for all citizens. The success of this legislative effort hinges on the support of stakeholders, professional bodies, and associations within the building sector. As Hon. Philip Agbese urged, let us unite in support of the 10th Assembly as they continue to draft laws that directly and positively impact the lives of Nigeria’s citizens.
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