Infrastructure deficits, rapid urbanization remain Africa’s challenges – AFMPN President

From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos The new President of Association of Facilities Management Practitioners Nigeria (AFMPN), Dr. Olumide Aina, says rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficits, climate change, and economic uncertainty remain major challenges in Nigeria and across other African countries. However, Aina noted that tremendous opportunities such as a young, vibrant population, abundance of natural resources, and […]

From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos

The new President of Association of Facilities Management Practitioners Nigeria (AFMPN), Dr. Olumide Aina, says
rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficits, climate change, and economic uncertainty remain major challenges in Nigeria and across other African countries.

However, Aina noted that tremendous opportunities such as a young, vibrant population, abundance of natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit required to address the headwinds abound in the continent.

He spoke on Tuesday during the investiture ceremony of the 2025-2026 National Executive Council held at the University of Lagos.

Aina expressed his readiness to lead members of the association in partnership with major stakeholders
to address some of the challenges and make meaningful impact on the economy.

He said “We live in a world where the built environment plays a critical role in shaping our economies, societies, and individual well-being. Facilities management is no longer just about maintaining buildings and infrastructure; it is about creating spaces that inspire, heal, educate, and nurture.

“As facilities management professionals, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our communities, our environment, and our economy. We must seize this moment to redefine our profession, to push boundaries, and to drive innovation.

“In Nigeria and across Africa, we face significant challenges: rapid urbanization, infrastructure deficits, climate change, and economic uncertainty. But we also have tremendous opportunities: a young, vibrant population, an abundance of natural resources, and a resilient, entrepreneurial spirit.”

He assured that his administration would focus on professional development, industry advocacy, sustainability and innovation, collaboration and partnership as well as community engagement.

“Let us work together to elevate our profession, to drive positive change, and to make a lasting impact on our nation and our continent,” he said.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Stephen Ola Jagun, harped on the need for the National Assembly to expedite action on the facility management bill.

Daily Trust reports that the House of Representatives had received commendations from various stakeholders in the building sector, for introducing a Bill to establish the Nigerian Institute of Facilities Management.

The Bill, sponsored by a member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state, Hon. Philip Agbese, aims to promote the care, maintenance and management of building facilities in both public and private sectors.

The Bill also seeks to train professionals in facility management, who will ensure that the facilities are maintained in a way that preserves their value and functionality over time, rather than deteriorating.

Jagun, in his remarks, noted that the absence a law binding the profession has triggered “unscrupulous activities” of quacks.

He said “You cannot present yourself as a medical doctor because there is a law that defines who must be one.

“Some people just stroll in, make money and make a mess of it and it robs on everybody,” he said.

He added that the availability of a law would strengthen the ethical conduct of the profession, emphasising on the need for government recognition.

“In our own environment, we rely on government recognition, which is why the bill is important. We are not throwing away professionalism and ethics, we are building that. We are training our members, improving their capacity but we also need that bill to get recognition and help some of us.

“So when you build credibility of professionalism and ethics, if anybody falls out of line, you will use the law to build them back,” he said.