Briscoe Properties is dedicated to creating high-performing, future-ready spaces where sustainability and innovation are integrated into our processes – Awomolo
Peters Ola Awomolo is the Head of Business, Briscoe Properties Limited. ln this interview with BusinessDay, he speaks on how his company uses real-time Computerized Maintenance Scheduling Systems to monitor facility and staff performance, energy usage and client request among others. Excerpts:
World Facilities Management Day is about recognizing the contributions of FM professionals. What message would Briscoe Properties like to convey to its facilities management teams and the broader industry in Nigeria, regarding the importance of their work and their role in creating thriving and resilient environments?
At Briscoe Properties Limited, we understand that facility management goes beyond maintenance. It is the backbone of functional spaces, thriving communities, efficient businesses and sustainable environments. We have a common saying which goes, “The ideal day is a quiet day”, which means that when the phones don’t ring, it means you’re doing your job well. On this World Facility Management Day, we celebrate the Briscoe Heroes who uphold this motto. We celebrate their unwavering dedication to ensuring that the spaces where our clients live, work and interact are safe, functional and inspiring.
Our message to our facility management teams—and the broader FM industry in Nigeria—is simple, but very true: you are vital to our success. Your work directly impacts on the quality of life of our stakeholders. You are the quiet force behind BPL’s operational excellence, energy efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. We are proud of the role you play in building efficient and innovative processes that enhance asset lifecycle and ensure minimal equipment downtime. We encourage you to keep up the great work in improving the industry standard through innovation, collaboration, upskill and dedication.
With the global focus on sustainability, how is Briscoe Properties integrating green building practices and smart technologies into its facilities management operations?
Sustainability is essential in our operations. It’s at the very foundation of our facility management operations. We’re proud to be at the forefront of integrated sustainable practices within the FM industry.
Our commitment to sustainability begins with energy efficiency. We deploy alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, and implement LED lighting, motion sensors, and energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce power consumption. Our buildings also benefit from centralized control systems that seamlessly manage HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems, resulting in optimized performance and reduced energy waste.
We use real-time Computerized Maintenance Scheduling Systems to monitor facility performance, staff performance, energy usage and client request. These technologies support data-driven decisions that improve energy efficiency and minimize operational costs.
We’ve adopted green construction techniques that reduce material waste and prioritize improved air ventilation, contributing to healthier indoor environments. Green landscaping and an emphasis on biodiversity also form part of our long-term sustainability goals.
Safety and security are equally integrated with technology. We use biometric systems, smart cards, and smoke alarm installations to ensure secure and responsive facilities.
Furthermore, our sustainable procurement policies emphasize working with vendors who share our environmental values, reinforcing our commitment to a greener supply chain.
Ultimately, Briscoe Properties is dedicated to creating high-performing, future-ready spaces where sustainability and innovation are integrated into our processes for the benefit of our clients, communities, and the planet.
Briscoe Properties handles a diverse portfolio of properties. What specific challenges and opportunities do you see in maintaining and optimizing these facilities, the increasing demands for efficiency and occupant well-being, especially Nigerian environment?
BPL manages a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties across Nigeria. This presents both unique challenges and exciting opportunities, especially as the demands for efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being continue to grow.
One of the primary challenges we face is the increasing demand for efficient, tech-driven spaces. Traditional methods of facilities management are becoming outdated, and there is now a strong push toward smart technologies, automation, and green energy practices. This shift requires significant adaptation—not just in tools, but in mindset and processes.
Nigeria also adds its own unique complexity, from erratic power supply to infrastructure gaps. However, we view this as a critical opportunity to lead innovation. By integrating IoT-enabled solutions, alternative energy sources, and data-driven systems, we’re improving operational efficiency while delivering better living and working experiences for our clients.
Affordability of FM services is another challenge. As much as facility management offers convenience and long-term value on assets, we must admit it comes at a cost not many can afford, especially in today’s current climate. That’s why we adopt flexible payment options tailored to each client. This allows our clients to benefit from the same premium FM services without the financialconstraintsof big budgets.Yes, there are a few more hurdles to qualify for this option, but it’s to lower the chances of high receivables because things like operational cost, staff cost, cost of materials – these things are constant and often unavoidable, and at BPL, we do not lower our standards.Both service provider and client must find a mutually agreeable way to exchange value.
Ultimately, the opportunity lies in aligning with modern demands—enhancing efficiency, embracing sustainable tech, and prioritizing occupant comfort and wellness. Briscoe Properties is committed to leading this transition, ensuring our properties remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready.
How is Briscoe Properties leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence machine learning, and data analytics, to optimise facilities management operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs?
Cost efficiency is so vital in facility management. You must answer the question, “how do I give my clients the best comfortwithout them breaking the bank, or the company losing money?” It is management, after all. If you can’t be efficient with resources, you have no business being in this industry.
In Nigeria, one of the things that takes a chunk out of the budget is the cost of power. Green energy is a non-negotiable in this industry. The solar panels, the inverters, even to the sort of light fittings you install, it all culminates into how you efficiently use power. Amidst the high electricity tariffs and high diesel cost, you want to give 24-hour electricity without causing your client so much financial strain. So, yes, we continue to invest in green energy solutions that improve operational efficiency.
In support of a more sustainable environment, we’ve introduced waste recycling programs in select properties and continue to scale this effort as part of our broader environmental management strategy.
One of our more recent projects in efficient service delivery is utilizing IoT-enabled systems and sensors to monitor and manage critical infrastructure components like water levels, humidity, and water supply. This enables real-time tracking and predictive maintenance, allowing our teams to resolve issues before they escalate. We’re able to save our clients time and resources.
As I mentioned earlier, we also offer flexible payment options that align with each client’s needs. This approach promotes inclusivity and allows more property owners to benefit from the comforts FM brings. We want to break the myth that FM services are only for corporations; every property needs and will immensely benefit from a facility manager.
What opportunities do you foresee for the facilities management sector in Nigeria, and how is Briscoe Properties positioning itself to take advantage of them? Where do you see Briscoe Properties in the next 5 years?
There’s an increasing demand for smart homes and real estate sustainability. One of the most significant opportunities is the widespread adoption of tech-automated solutions. From tech-driven schedules, IoT-enable building systems and e-commerce solutions, facility management is becoming more and more integrated and data-predictive. These solutions are evident in resource management, analysis of equipment lifecycle and performance, security systems and overall customer experience.
FM companies in Nigeria will have to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. This will also influence the talent development and hiring where the demand of specialised skills will be in high demand and technological prowess especially with regard toleveraging on artificial intelligence will be non-negotiable. Many will argue that Nigeria still has a long way to go to have such conversations, but I beg to differ. Things are moving very quickly, even here. Not that long ago, customer experience relied on physical interactions. Today, efficiency is being able to deliver the same quality of service remotely.
In the next 5 years, Briscoe Properties Limited aims to establish strategic partnerships with international companies, expanding our global presence and expertise. We will be exploring new markets, collaborate with local players, and share our knowledge to drive growth and innovation. Our people remain are our greatest asset, therefore in the next 5 years, we’ll continue with our commitment to developing our talent pool, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting employee engagement. We’ll invest in training programs, mentorship, and diversity initiatives to ensure our team is equipped to drive success.
