IFMA Nigeria celebrates World FM Day, champions sustainability, tech-driven resilience

The Nigerian Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) on Wednesday joined over 96 countries worldwide to celebrate World Facility Management Day under the theme “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change.” The event, held in Lagos, spotlighted the evolving role of facility managers in a rapidly changing world and emphasized the need for sustainability and innovation in managing infrastructure and waste.

In his opening remarks, IFMA Nigeria President, Engineer Sherif Daramola, hailed facility managers as the backbone of thriving organizations. He stated that the day was designed to recognize professionals who ensure the functionality, safety, and efficiency of built environments, often under intense pressure.

According to him “Our teams have not just adapted, they have led with courage, agility, and unwavering commitment,” Daramola said. “Facility managers are the enablers of change. Their resilience ensures that disruption does not negate progress but drives transformation.”

Highlighting the growing importance of technological adaptability, Daramola noted the rise of predictive maintenance, smart systems, and sustainability-driven procurement. “Technology disruptions are here. The question is: are we ready?” he asked, pointing to the need for continuous upskilling and engagement.

Daramola also addressed government involvement, noting that states like Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Kaduna, and Anambra are embracing structured facility management practices. He referenced the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s investments in facility management as a benchmark for infrastructure sustainability in public institutions.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), who emphasized the pivotal role of facility managers in waste reduction and circular economy practices.

“Fifty percent of Lagos’ waste is organic and can be converted into biogas or compost,” Gbadegesin said. “We’re launching a biodigester in one of our major fruit markets this June to convert waste into power, cooking gas, and charging points.”

He called on facility managers to integrate waste separation and recycling practices into their buildings, insisting that LAWMA is actively pursuing a partnership model with facility managers to reduce the burden on dump sites like Olusosun.

“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,” he warned.

Looking ahead, IFMA Nigeria announced that it will host the 2nd Annual IFMA Africa Conference in Lagos from August 19–23, 2025. Themed “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practices in Africa,” the conference will cover topics such as circular economy, AI in FM, sustainable technology, innovative solutions and public infrastructure management. According to past FMA Nigeria President Segun Adebayo, the event will feature paper presentations, workshops, panel sessions, exhibitions and tours

As the industry confronts climate, technology, and economic shifts, this year’s World FM Day in Nigeria emphasized the critical role facility managers play not only in keeping buildings operational, but in driving sustainability, innovation, and contributing to national economic growth.