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We have proactively embraced technology and cutting-edge software solutions to streamline our facilities management operations, minimizing downtime and ensuring our clients enjoy a truly seamless living experience – Moroumubo
Arc. Moroumubo Oludiran, General Manager of APIC Managers Limited, speaks with BusinessDay about the company’s strong commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance FM service delivery. She discusses how APIC is dedicated to not only meeting but surpassing the evolving expectations of its clients in an ever-changing business landscape, among other key insights. Excerpts:
As the world celebrates,World FM Day 2025, From your perspective at APIC Managers Limited, what are the most significant shifts you have observed in the FM landscape in Nigeria over the past year, and how is APIC adapting to these changes to enhance service delivery for your clients?
Facility management is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that has seen significant transformation in recent years. One of the most notable changes has been the integration of advanced technology into our operational framework.
In the past, facility operations were typically reported on a periodic basis, which meant that clients received updates at scheduled intervals, often leading to delays in addressing urgent issues. However, with the growing expectations of our clients, there is now a clear demand for real-time, solution-based operations that prioritize immediate responsiveness.
To meet these evolving needs, we have proactively embraced software and mobile applications that streamline our processes and enhance communication with our clients. These tools not only facilitate faster reporting and issue resolution but also allow our clients to monitor their facility’s activities with greater transparency and control. As a result, we have seen a substantial increase in client satisfaction, as they can now access timely information and receive quality services tailored to their specific requirements. This commitment to leveraging technology has positioned us at the forefront of the facility management industry, ensuring that we continue to deliver effective solutions in an increasingly complex environment.
Considering the specific challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian business environment, what unique contributions does effective facility management, as championed by APIC, bring to the resilience and productivity of organizations operating in Nigeria? Can you provide specific examples or case studies?
The Nigerian business landscape is full with opportunities, yet it is not without its challenges. Within this environment, facility management stands out with its array of lucrative sub-services that can generate significant income. Key areas such as Space Management, Fire Safety Services, and Environmental Health and Safety present compelling prospects for growth. However, the proliferation of unqualified providers often undermines these opportunities, compromising the quality-of-service delivery.
At APIC Managers, we recognize these hurdles and address them head-on by establishing dedicated team that focuses specifically on these specialized services. This strategic approach aligns seamlessly with our overarching vision of excellence in service provision.
In addition to our core services, we also engage in tailored projects such as service apartment rentals, borehole drilling, and power management. These initiatives are managed by the strategically developed offshoots of our firm, ensuring that we maintain high standards and meet the diverse needs of our clients. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance the overall quality and reliability of facility management in Nigeria.
Sustainability and technology are increasingly integral to modern facility management globally. How is APIC Facilities Managers Nigeria Limited integrating sustainable practices and leveraging technological advancements (such as IoT,AI, or data analytics) to optimize building performance, reduce costs,and enhance the occupant experience for your clients in Nigeria?
We recognize that a global transformation in service delivery is gaining momentum, and our client anticipates that we align with these evolving standards.
As part of our commitment to sustainable practices, we have integrated our role as facility managers into the design and construction phases of our upcoming facility. This proactive involvement allows us to influence decisions that promote energy efficiency and modern amenities from the very beginning.
To enhance our operational sustainability, we are transitioning from traditional gas burners to advanced electric induction burners, which offer improved safety and energy efficiency. Additionally, we are replacing conventional lighting with motion-sensor bulbs, ensuring that energy is only consumed when needed.
We are also in the process of implementing a real-time response system via an online platform, allowing us to monitor and address issues as they arise swiftly. Furthermore, the incorporation of thermal sensors within our mechanical and electrical installations provides critical insights into the facility and operational performance,enabling us to maintain optimal conditions and respond effectively to fluctuations.
These initiatives reflect our dedication to aligning with global service delivery trends while fostering a more efficient and sustainable facility.
The theme of ’’resilience’’; has been prominent in recent years. How does APIC Facilities Managers Nigeria Limited contribute to building resilience for its clients in Nigeria, particularly in the face of potential disruptions such as power outages, infrastructure challenges, and economic fluctuations? What strategies and contingency plans are in place?
At APIC Managers, we firmly believe in the principle of ,do it once; do it right. This philosophy guides our comprehensive approach to facility management, ensuring that we tackle issues effectively from the start.Our commitment to client satisfaction is evident through several key practices:
*Transparency in Service Delivery: We maintain open lines of communication and provide clear information about our services, fostering trust and understanding with our clients.
*Proactive Problem Solving: We anticipate potential challenges and address them before they escalate,ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted service experience.
*Ongoing Communication: We prioritize constant interaction with our clients, keeping them informed and engaged to meet and exceed their expectations.
*Accountability: We take full responsibility for our actions and decisions, holding ourselves accountable to maintain high standards of service and client satisfaction.
Talent development and professionalization are crucial for the growth of the FM industry in Nigeria. What initiatives does APIC Facilities Managers Nigeria Limited undertake to attract,train, and retain skilled FM professionals, and how do you see the role of professional bodies and certifications in elevating standards within the Nigerian FM sector?
The importance of training and re-training in the field of facility management cannot be overstated, especially given the ever-evolving nature of our industry. To ensure our team is equipped to meet the demands of our services, we conduct a variety of developmental activities, including periodic training sessions, engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and informative seminars. These initiatives are designed not only to enhance skills but also to promote continuous professional growth.
We actively encourage our staff to pursue relevant certifications in key areas such as Facility Management, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), as well as improving their communication skills. These qualifications are vital in maintaining high standards in our operations.
However, one of the significant challenges we face in facility management is the phenomenon of brain drain. Over time, several of our well-trained personnel have chosen to leave for other opportunities, which creates gaps in our operational capacity and institutional knowledge.
To combat this issue, we have implemented several strategies aimed at retaining our talent. These measures include fostering a culture of capacity development that keeps our personnel engaged and motivated. We offer various incentives to reward our staff for their contributions, and we maintain an open-door policy that encourages open communication and feedback.
Additionally, we implement a practice of rotating staff within their job roles. This approach ensures that when a team member departs, their responsibilities can be seamlessly transitioned to other experienced staff members. As a result, we can minimize disruptions in our operations and maintain a consistent level of service, significantly reducing downtime. Such proactive measures help us cultivate a resilient workforce that is both skilled and dedicated to our mission.
Collaboration and partnerships are often key to delivering comprehensive FM solutions. Can you highlight any significant collaborations or partnerships that APIC Facilities Managers Nigeria
Limited has forged with other organizations in Nigeria to enhance the scope and quality of your services? What benefits have these collaborations yielded for your clients?
To maintain our competitive edge in the ever-evolving field of facility management, we recognize the critical importance of forging strong, engaging partnerships. We are proud to collaborate with a diverse array of partners who have played a pivotal role in our progress.
Among them is Maxi-Migold, our dedicated training partner, which has significantly enhanced our teams skills and expertise. We also work closely with the Association of Facility Management Practitioners, Nigeria (AFMPN), whose invaluable resources and networking opportunities keep us connected to industry standards and innovations. Additionally, ASL Contractors serves as our trusted civil consultants, assisting us with essential infrastructure projects. Finally, we rely on Servo Solutions for their exceptional facility technical assistance, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently. Together, these partnerships enable us to excel in our commitment to excellence in facility management.
The pandemic reshaped workplace dynamics. How has APIC adapted its FM strategies to support hybrid work models, health safety,and employee well-being in client facilities?
The Covid-19 pandemic has marked a transformative turning point in the realm of facility management,prompting a surge of innovative solutions tailored to enhance service delivery for our clients. This extraordinary period of change compelled us to significantly diversify our operations, integrating a range of e-services designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving environment. Among these advancements are intuitive online response systems and sophisticated real-time tracking capabilities that empower our clients with greater oversight and control.
By harnessing customized software and mobile applications, we have significantly improved our ability to respond promptly to client needs while simultaneously streamlining our internal processes. This strategic shift has not only led to a remarkable boost in operational efficiency but has also enabled us to provide enhanced service quality. As we navigate the new normal, we are deeply committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to uplift our service standards, ensuring we meet and exceed the dynamic expectations of our clients in this constantly changing landscape.
Looking ahead, what are APIC’s key goals for the next five years, and how do you plan to position the company as a leader in Nigeria’s evolving FM landscape?
For us at APIC Managers, our vision statement guide our operations. The following highlights are what we have inplace to make us achieve our goals beyond five years:
*Continuous Employee Training: Implement a robust and ongoing training program for our employees to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our facility and its occupants.
*Periodic survey implementation: Design and distribute a comprehensive questionnaire aimed at gathering valuable feedback from occupants. This will help us understand their preferences and expectations, allowing us to serve them more effectively.
*Maintenance request Software: Advocate for the adoption of advanced software solutions to streamline and track our maintenance requests. This will ensure that all requests are logged systematically, making the maintenance process more efficient and transparent.
*Safety Compliance: Commit to strictly adhering to all safety precautions and guidelines. This will involve regular training sessions and updates to ensure that every employee is aware of and compliant with the necessary safety protocols.
*Routine Equipment Inspections: Establish a schedule for routine checks on all facility equipment and tools to identify and address potential issues before they lead to breakdowns. This proactive approach will maintain operational efficiency and extend the lifespan of our assets.
*Facility Management Master Plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive facility management master plan that outlines our long-term strategy for maintaining and improving our facilities. This plan will prioritize key objectives and allocate resources effectively.
*Periodic Financial Audits: Conduct regular evaluations of occupant funds through thorough auditing processes. This will ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters, fostering trust among occupants and stakeholders.
*Expert Estate Valuation Consultations: Engage with professional estate valuation experts to receive
periodic advice and insights. Their expertise will guide our decision-making concerning property values and investments.
*Community social media Forum: Create a dedicated community-based social media forum where occupants can voice their concerns and complaints. This platform will facilitate swift responses from management, fostering an environment of open communication and responsiveness.
*Renovation Template and Timetable: Develop a clear template and timetable for occupants who wish to undertake renovations. This will help minimize disturbances and ensure that such projects are coordinated effectively, maintaining a harmonious living environment.
*Employee Incentives Program: Introduce a motivational incentives program aimed at boosting employee morale. By recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, we can foster a positive workplace culture and enhance overall productivity.
