2025: Time for FM practitioners to push boundaries

Infrastructure maintenance with Tunde Obileye

As we kick off the new year, it is time to challenge FM practitioners to push boundaries, innovate and make a significant positive impact. Whatever sector of the economy FM practitioners operate in, they can drive the profession to new heights by demonstrating an acceptable level of ethics and standards in service delivery.

For so long, the profession in Nigeria has struggled to define what is or is not acceptable professional ethics and standards. It has been more of lip service rather than deliberate, intentional and measurable action to hold FM practitioners accountable in the discharge of their duties and service delivery.

In a constantly evolving business landscape where organizations continue to recognize the fundamental role that facilities play in achieving their strategic objectives and understand that effective facilities management goes beyond merely ensuring the smooth operation of their buildings, the question FM practitioners ought to be asking themselves is “what value do we really bring to the table if ethics and standards are still questionable?”.

There is no doubt that not all FM professionals fall into this category however the lack of standards or failure to entrench globally acceptable ethics and standards in our work culture has blighted the standing of FM practitioners within and outside the profession.

This realization has led to a growing emphasis on the adoption and adherence to facilities management standards. These standards are crucial in today’s business environment. As a result, two leading international FM organizations, International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM) are currently collaborating to produce an Ethics and Standards document after due consultation and involvement of key stakeholders. A lot of work has already been put into the document and will be rolled out when the task is completed.

The national FM association that should have been the driver of such as initiative has failed so far to prove itself capable of leading as focus continues to be on self-gratification and protecting personal interest instead of promoting the common interest of FM practitioners in the industry.

An association that seeks to manipulate the rule book to elevate its leaders and suppress constructive criticism will struggle to promote best practices and develop a framework to have ethics that drive integrity and accountability. In short, you cannot build something on nothing.

Facilities management standards provide a benchmark for measuring the quality and efficiency of any FM operations. Adhering to these standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees.

It is important FM practitioners remind themselves that facilities management standards serve as a guiding framework that helps their organizations to comply with local, national, and international regulations. Compliance with standards not only drives cost savings but also improves operational efficiency, and minimizes risks.

Moreover, their reputation for superior facilities management practices enhances market positioning and businesses can differentiate themselves and stand out from competitors.

In concluding, it is my hope that in a complex and competitive business environment like ours, FM practitioners will demonstrate the willpower to embrace and implement these standards in order to increase credibility and create well managed, high performing facilities that drive overall success in the long run.