Nigeria has been chosen by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) to host its 2025 edition of IFMA Africa Conference.
This was disclosed by Lara Paemen, Managing Director of International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), who recently visited the IFMA Nigeria Chapter Secretariat in Lagos.
She was warmly received by the President, ESV Olalekan Akinwumi, Council members and workforce.
During the visit, Ms. Paemen said Nigeria shall bring together industry leaders from across the continent. According to her, this underscores the country’s growing importance in the international facility management landscape.
Ms. Paemen also unveiled an initiative aimed at encouraging student participation in the World Workplace (WWP) event, extending the program to three African students, one from Nigeria, and two from other African nations.
These students will receive complimentary access to WWP and will be given accommodation. The visit marked a pivotal moment for collaboration and strategic discussions.
In his response, President ESV Olalekan Akinwumi expressed gratitude for Paemen’s visionary leadership as the Managing Director of IFMA EMEA and sought more support from the global body located in Houston, United States of America.
The Immediate Past President, Mr. Segun Adebayo, highlighted the Nigeria Chapter’s achievements over its 27 years. He made it known that IFMA Nigeria’s established presence through the Chapter’s collaborative efforts has brought value to the country through various events in promoting the organization, and building relationships with both the corporate and public sectors, thereby increasing membership.
In 2023, the Chapter co-hosted an event on “Delivering Effective and Sustainable FM in the Built Environment” at Nigeria’s largest construction industry event, Big 5 Construct Nigeria.
The Chapter has collaborated with various institutions including the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Lagos State Safety Commission, and the University of Lagos to champion notable causes within the built environment.
IFMA Nigeria is an affiliate of IFMA Worldwide where membership is open to people actively engaged in the application practice, teaching, and researching of facilities management principles and techniques for the built environment.
The Association is involved in training, lectures, facility tours, interactive seminars, education, and research. All these are aimed at equipping relevant officers with current skills, knowledge and increasing effective practice of facility management in both the private and public sectors.
