Beyond Neglect: Building a Culture of Preventative Maintenance

Nigeria grapples with a persistent challenge – a poor maintenance culture. This attitude of neglecting upkeep, from public infrastructure to personal belongings, has far-reaching consequences.

 
The Association of Facilities Management Practitioners, Nigeria (AFMPN) calls for a collective effort to reverse this trend and build a culture of preventative maintenance. The high price of neglect, the effects of a poor maintenance culture are undeniable. Dilapidated roads lead to accidents and economic disruptions. Unmaintained buildings become safety hazards. Neglected public utilities like water and sanitation systems fail, impacting public health. The financial burden is significant – constant repairs end up costing more than proactive maintenance. A Shared Responsibility Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach, from government agencies to professional associations to facility managers to the general public. 

Government Agencies: Government must allocate adequate budgets for planned maintenance and establish clear policies with enforcement mechanisms. Prioritizing preventative measures over reactive repairs is crucial. Professional Associations: AFMPN, along with other professional bodies, can play a vital role in knowledge sharing and advocacy. Educational workshops and seminars can equip facility managers and the public with best practices. 

Facility Managers: Facility managers are the backbone of preventative maintenance. Implementing maintenance schedules, conducting regular inspections, and utilizing data- driven solutions are essential to extend the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure. 

The General Public: A shift in public perception is necessary. Citizens must value the importance of maintenance and report neglected infrastructure. Simple acts like proper waste disposal and responsible use of facilities contribute significantly. Building a Sustainable Future By fostering a culture of preventative maintenance, Nigeria can reap numerous benefits. Improved infrastructure efficiency translates to economic growth and a safer environment. This shift requires a collaborative effort from government, professional bodies, facility managers, and the general public. Let us move from a cycle of neglect to a culture of proactive care, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Nigerians. 

The Association of Facilities Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AFMPN) was established as an umbrella body of all Facility Management Practitioners and Organizations in Nigeria. The Association was incorporated on 30th October 2017 with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria to unite all facility management practitioners in Nigeria into a national professional body and to promote excellence in the facility management industry through adherence to standards. The purpose of the Association is to provide a national platform for the promotion of Facility Management practice in Nigeria through the continuous professional development of Facility Managers and stimulating a competitive facility management industry by leveraging on international partnerships, standards, best practices and the development of relevant local standards and benchmarks aimed at the actualization of national development goals and contributions to national development.