‘Why facility managers are important in real estate business’

Real estate is a thriving business in Nigeria, and with the sector contributing over seven percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an expert in the industry has said it is imperative for players to engage the services of professional facilities managers.

Alhaji Hakeem Ajao, an estate surveyor and valuer, in an interview with Daily Trust, described facilities management put properties in pristine state which is good for business.

He described facilities management “as the art and science of managing a built or installed facility to help meet the organization’s objectives, goals, vision and mission.”

He said facilities management includes all the complex operating activities to create an environment that encourages output, adding that at the core of facilities management is the principle that “the facility environment must be in harmony with the people who occupy such facility.”

Ajao who outlined the functions of a facilities manager, said among other things, the manager is charged with the upkeep and improvement of the facility itself, delivering on operational efficiencies.

He further said, “The facilities manager creates an environment conducive to productivity, find and adopt technological solutions, guarantee regulatory compliance. The facility managers responsibilities include providing janitorial and maintenance services, security, engineering services and managing telecommunication and information systems.

“The manager establishes process in orderly manner by virtue of being methodical and very well-coordinated and ensuring optimal usage of infrastructures through maintenance management, as well as effective and efficient project management.

“Employee productivity, health and safety management are also functions of the manager who must be a trained estate surveyor and valuer,”

He added that the facilities managers and their respective teams operate across different business sectors maintaining infrastructure while liaising with architects, builders, estate surveyors/valuers, quantity surveyors and engineers of various specializations.

Ajao stressed that the manager also collaborates with all role players internally and externally on maintenance, renovation and construction projects as well as handling legal or contractual matters with occupants (tenants) and third party suppliers.

“A facilities manager must also ensure the premises are kept secure, ensure ongoing maintenance of building assets and the associated plant to ensure optimal functions of the organization including plumbing, electrical and heating. Control and manage movement of organization’s assets (assets tracking),” he said.