In a world grappling with rapid change, from technological advancements to environmental imperatives, the role of facility management has never been more critical. Far from simply maintaining buildings, facility managers are emerging as pivotal players in driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and ensuring the seamless operation of organizations and public infrastructure. This evolving importance was front and center recently as the Nigerian Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) joined its counterparts in over 96 countries to commemorate World Facility Management Day.

Under the apt theme "Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change," the Lagos-held event served as a powerful platform to underscore the dynamic responsibilities of facility managers. It was a day dedicated to recognizing these professionals as the veritable backbone of thriving organizations, individuals who tirelessly work behind the scenes to guarantee the functionality, safety, and efficiency of our built environments, often under considerable pressure.

Engineer Sherif Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria, eloquently articulated this sentiment in his opening remarks, stating, "Our teams have not just adapted, they have led with courage, agility, and unwavering commitment. Facility managers are the enablers of change. Their resilience ensures that disruption does not negate progress but drives transformation." His words highlighted the proactive and transformative nature of the profession, emphasizing that facility managers are not merely reactive problem-solvers but strategic visionaries.

The discourse also prominently featured the undeniable impact of technological advancements on the facility management landscape. Daramola pointed to the increasing relevance of predictive maintenance, smart building systems, and sustainability-driven procurement practices. He posed a pertinent question to attendees: "Technology disruptions are here. The question is: are we ready?" This served as a call to action for continuous upskilling and engagement within the industry, ensuring that facility managers remain at the forefront of innovation.

Beyond the private sector, Daramola acknowledged the growing recognition of structured facility management practices within various tiers of government. He specifically lauded states like Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Kaduna, and Anambra for their embrace of these practices. The investments made by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo in facility management were cited as exemplary benchmarks for achieving infrastructure sustainability in public institutions, showcasing a progressive shift in governmental approach.

A key highlight of the World FM Day celebration was the compelling presentation by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). His address brought into sharp focus the indispensable role of facility managers in tackling the pressing issue of waste reduction and promoting circular economy principles. 

Gbadegesin revealed a striking statistic: "Fifty percent of Lagos’ waste is organic and can be converted into biogas or compost." He then announced LAWMA's imminent launch of a biodigester in a major fruit market this June, designed to transform organic waste into valuable resources such such as power, cooking gas, and even charging points.

L-R: ESV Stephen Ola Jagun, First Africa IFMA Fellow and Past President, IFMA Nigeria Chapter; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin (MD/CEO, LAWMA); Prof. Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG; Engr. Celestine Aruoture, Chief Operating Officer, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc; ⁠Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President, IFMA Nigeria) and ⁠Olayemi Popoola, Group CEO, Reliance Infosystems during the 2025 World FM Day celebration held at the University of Lagos on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Gbadegesin issued a strong call to action for facility managers to integrate robust waste separation and recycling practices within their buildings. He emphasized LAWMA's commitment to fostering partnerships with facility managers, seeing them as crucial allies in alleviating the immense pressure on existing dump sites like Olusosun. 

The urgency of this initiative was underscored by his stern warning: "We need separate bins in every facility, plastic, metal, glass. We must phase out irresponsible dumping. We currently have cases in court and there are penalties including jail terms," signaling a zero-tolerance approach to environmental negligence.

Looking to the near future, IFMA Nigeria announced a significant event on the horizon: the 2nd Annual IFMA Africa Conference. Scheduled to take place in Lagos from August 19–23, 2025, the conference will delve into "Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practices in Africa." 

According to Segun Adebayo, past president of IFMA Nigeria, this comprehensive event will feature a rich program including paper presentations, interactive workshops, insightful panel sessions, informative exhibitions, and illuminating tours. Key topics will span critical areas such as the circular economy, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in facility management, sustainable technology solutions, innovative approaches to problem-solving, and efficient public infrastructure management.

As the world navigates complex challenges, from climate change and technological disruption to economic shifts, this year's World FM Day in Nigeria served as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role played by facility managers. They are not just keeping our buildings operational; they are actively driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and making tangible contributions to the broader national economic growth. Their resilience in action truly enables us to thrive in a world of constant change.