As part of efforts of ensuring competitiveness and standardisation of the Nigerian Facilities Management Industry, information has it that the management of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria inaugurated yesterday. According to our analyst, the collaboration between the federal agency and the stakeholders in the industry has been suggested in the previous analysis, published in 2019 when the industry joined others in the world in the celebration of the yearly FM day. Our analyst notes that the International Facilities Management Association, the global body that hosts national associations throughout the world, chose ‘Celebrating Global Standards’ as the theme for the year’s celebration.

According to the report, Collins Osayamwen, Managing Partner Sheltercare FM Consult, Abuja emerged as the Chairman of the Committee while Aliyu Suleiman Shika, of Department of Building Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria emerged as Vice Chairman. Others include M. K. O Balogun, Managing Director Global PFI, Olumide Aina, CEO, Green Facilities Limited, Ayuba Anza Usman, of FCTA, Olukemi Modupe Odusanya, (Managing Director, Hutchinson Property Care), Stan Mitchell, Chairman & CEO, Key Facilities Limited, UK, Alex Aleakwe Bini of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abimbola Funsho of Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and Ronke Odunayo of Oracle, Lagos.

“The Committee is to mirror the activities of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Technical Committee TC 267 on Facility Management by harnessing views of experts in Nigeria as contribution to the development of the international standards for eventual domestication in Nigeria through adoption.”

While suggesting the collaboration, our analyst notes that  Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Facility Management Initiative need to collaborate on the processes and modalities for ensuring FM standards within Operations and Technical Departments. These departments need standardised processes, quality materials and qualified professionals.  They are strategic to effective and efficient solutions delivery.

According to the analyst it is instructive to note that the growth and increased complexity in FM scope has necessitated the need for standardisation. Companies with the complete certifications are benefiting immensely. Beyond improving safety, health, well-being and productivity of the client’s workforce, FM standards also lead to the same benefits for the FM companies.  “Standardization will bring efficiency to FM operations by ensuring customer focus, leader’s commitment, monitoring and continuous improvement. Adhering to standards like ISO 14001 will enhance delivery of best value for clients and users,” Ishola Abass, GTP Global Resources’ Mechanical Engineer, said.

Key Needs and Issues

Our analyst has also noted in one of the previous analyses that standards that would be localized must establish how facilities management solutions should be delivered effectively and efficiently. The standards must consistently meet the needs of interested parties and applicable requirement. Responsiveness and responsibility of the people within the supply side to the demand side should also be considered as sacred towards inclusive solutions delivery and value capturing. In addition to these, the Chairman and members of his Committee should lay emphasis on corporate knowledge, especially tacit ones among the professionals. This will go in a long way of getting the needed inputs into the finalization of standards that would be localized towards deepening recognition of the industry and sustainable value capturing.