The recently concluded IFMA Global Africa Conference 2025 in Lagos has placed the spotlight firmly on the evolving landscape of facility management (FM) in Nigeria and across the African continent. Drawing leaders, policymakers, and industry trailblazers, the conference fostered pivotal discussions on shaping the sector’s trajectory amidst shifting local and global challenges.
Driving Conversations on Ethics in the Facility Management Sector
A key highlight from the event was the thought-provoking contribution by David O. Korede, CEO of Bloom FM—one of Nigeria’s frontline FM companies. Korede led a robust discussion about ethical procurement and competitive bidding, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s fast-growing FM market.
“To advance facility management in Nigeria and Africa, procurement must shift away from focusing solely on the lowest price,” Korede explained. “Integrity, fairness, and value-driven partnerships are essential if we’re going to establish real trust and sustainable growth in our sector.”
He cautioned that unethical bidding practices don’t just harm market reputation—they also affect service quality, undermine innovation, and erode long-term trust between service providers and clients. Given Nigeria’s competitive landscape, he called on both public and private sector actors to adopt stricter ethical standards throughout the procurement process.
Innovative Solutions and a Vision for Change
Korede’s session didn’t only dwell on the problems. At a widely attended fireside chat, he rolled out a practical framework to address bidding challenges—proposing a three-pronged model combining ethical vetting, capacity-building for vendors, and clear, transparent evaluation systems. This holistic approach, he argued, would help rebuild credibility and nurture a culture of merit-based success in local FM projects.
- Ethical Screening: Encouraging organizations to vet vendors not just by cost but by history of compliance and proven ethical standards.
- Vendor Capacity-Building: Proposing regular workshops and training for service providers to improve both skills and professional conduct.
- Transparent Evaluation: Advocating for open and standardized assessment criteria so that both clients and vendors understand how bids are judged.
The positive audience response to Korede’s ideas reflected a broad appetite for reform—not just among Nigerians, but among FM stakeholders from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and other African countries facing similar challenges.
Bloom FM’s Impact and Growth
Bloom FM, under Korede’s stewardship and the vision of the NOWAHALAZONE platform, has set itself apart by integrating sustainability, innovation, and adherence to best practices in every project. From pioneering energy-efficient building management to championing maintenance culture in the region, Bloom FM is increasingly seen as both a service leader and a source of thought leadership in West Africa.
The company actively drives dialogue around:
- Maintenance culture and its central role in asset longevity
- Integration of digital technologies for smarter facility oversight
- Energy-saving techniques tailored for African environmental realities
Through partnership with other stakeholders, Bloom FM continues to push the boundaries, positioning itself as more than a vendor—indeed, a catalyst for positive industry transformation.
Calls for Renewed Maintenance Culture
Another major moment at the IFMA conference was a stirring keynote address from Babatunde Raji Fashola, Nigeria’s former Minister of Works, Power, and Housing. Fashola stressed that a poor maintenance culture continues to impede national progress.
“We must urgently strengthen our national approach to infrastructure maintenance,” he said, urging governments, facility managers, and citizens alike to action. His remarks underscored a sentiment widely felt across Nigeria—echoed by facility managers facing aging buildings, power supply challenges, and limited budgets.
Opportunities and Challenges – Education, Innovation & Sustainability
In breakout sessions and working groups, participants addressed wide-ranging opportunities for both Nigeria and the wider African FM market:
- Cross-border collaboration: Delegates from across West and Central Africa explored partnerships to share expertise, resources, and technology innovations.
- Education and workforce development: The need for more FM-focused training, professional certification, and upskilling was identified as critical for both attracting younger talent and raising industry standards.
- Integration of renewables: As energy costs rise and climate change impacts become more apparent, there was strong emphasis on renewable energy and energy-smart building strategies.
- Adapting digital tools: From IoT sensors to building management software, the consensus was clear: FM in Africa must leverage cutting-edge tech for efficiency and sustainability.
Regional and Global Stakes for Facility Management
All these efforts come as the facility management industry grows in strategic importance within Africa’s wider development agenda. With megacities like Lagos, Abuja, and Accra rapidly expanding, the way buildings and infrastructure are maintained has direct implications for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing.
International pressure for higher standards is also mounting. Global investors increasingly demand proof that local partners adhere to ethical tendering, transparent project delivery, and long-term maintenance commitments. For Nigerian and African FM firms, adopting these standards is not just ideal but necessary for competing on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Nigeria’s FM Industry?
As Bloom FM and peers continue to carve out a presence on the continent, their leaders signal a shift—from being just service providers to becoming true thought leaders and innovators. The lessons and resolutions from the IFMA Global Africa Conference 2025 send a clear signal: the next chapter for African facility management will be shaped by ethics, technology, and regional collaboration.
In Korede’s words, “If we want sustainable progress in Africa’s built environment, every stakeholder has to play their part—demanding and delivering nothing short of excellence, innovation, and integrity.”
What’s Your Take?
How do you think Nigeria and West Africa can strengthen ethics and sustainability in facility management? Have you observed differences in maintenance culture locally versus outside the continent? Share your experiences and opinions below—let’s drive the conversation forward together!
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