Paul Erubami, the President of the Association of Facilities Management Practitioners (AFMP) and Chief Executive Officer of Max-Migold Ltd, recently addressed vital issues concerning infrastructure maintenance at the third annual AFMPN conference in Abuja, Nigeria. He emphasized the significant potential that well-maintained infrastructure holds for local economies, suggesting that investing in maintenance can generate good-paying jobs and serve as an economic stimulus. Erubami noted that proper maintenance plays a crucial role in enhancing economic stability because attractive infrastructure can draw in investments. This connection underscores the importance of creating a maintenance economy that can support sustainable and resilient community growth.
During his address, Erubami articulated the broader implications of infrastructure maintenance, especially during challenging times marked by natural disasters and climate change. He underscored that well-maintained infrastructure is better equipped to withstand such adversities, thereby ensuring community safety and continuity of service. He pointed out that this maintenance economy involves strategically caring for and optimizing operational assets, highlighting the essential relationship between effective infrastructure maintenance and community resilience. This perspective aligns with the urgent need for sustainable development amid increasingly hostile environmental conditions.
Erubami elaborated on how a focused maintenance economy can shift resources towards the preservation and upgrading of existing infrastructure rather than prioritizing new construction. He posited that this strategy is gaining traction worldwide and is vital for sustainable development. By concentrating on maintaining and upgrading existing assets, communities can prolong their useful life, mitigate environmental impacts, and realize significant cost savings. This approach reflects a growing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits that come from prioritizing maintenance over new builds, encouraging a shift in mindset across sectors.
The concept of a maintenance economy, as Erubami explained, advocates for an improved approach to infrastructure and the built environment. By shifting the focus toward maintaining and enhancing what already exists, rather than merely constructing new facilities, stakeholders can create a more sustainable infrastructure strategy. This ideology resonates with the increasing global recognition of the value of existing assets, further emphasizing the need for better maintenance practices that can enhance the functionality and safety of buildings and facilities.
Furthermore, Erubami highlighted the pivotal role of facility management within the maintenance economy. He emphasized that facility managers are integral to ensuring the operability and sustainability of the built environment. They are responsible for maintaining spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also contribute to the overall quality of life in communities. This encompasses a wide range of activities crucial for maintaining safety, functionality, and environmental sustainability, showcasing the comprehensive impact that facility managers have on both the economy and community wellbeing.
Lastly, Erubami announced an important upcoming event—the Facility Management MasterCraft Diploma Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for December 14 at the University of Lagos. This event signifies the ongoing commitment to developing skilled professionals within the realm of facility management, further promoting the maintenance economy and emphasizing the importance of training and education in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of infrastructure. By fostering a new generation of facility managers, the AFMP aims to enhance the ability of communities to manage their infrastructure effectively, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economic future.
