Lagos Is Creating A Maintenance Economy – LASIAMA

The General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Ms. Adenike Adekanbi, has said that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working hard to create a maintenance economy in the State.

Adekanbi disclosed this while speaking at a panel discussion on the Y2022 World FM Day, with the theme: “Leading a Sustainable Future”, organised by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria and held on Thursday at Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

She explained that the government is not only providing a new lease of life for all the public facilities and infrastructure in the State but also creating an economy that provides opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses that impact the project beneficiaries’ communities.

According to her, “All our contractors are Nigerians. We do not have foreign contractors. They operate and contribute to Lagos Communities”.

Ms. Adekanbi explained further that a common challenge facing management of public infrastructure facilities is non-consideration for maintenance at the construction stage, stressing that facility managers should have an input in the construction of buildings to give feedback on the cost of maintenance and the sustainability of features.

On the challenges of working with other MDAs within the built environment, the General Manager stated that facility management does not encroach on anyone’s territory, adding that the LASIAMA mandate and operation is a value-added service that benefits all the MDAs.

She hinted that Lagos State was the first to create an Infrastructure Asset Management Agency in Nigeria, saying “The Federal Government was even following the example of Lagos with its recent Executive Order 11 on National Public Buildings Maintenance”.

Attributing the giant strides and successes being recorded at LASIAMA to hard work, teamwork and the ability to push forward without looking at obstacles, the General Manager acknowledged the constant support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ministries of Works and Infrastructure, Economic Planning and Budget as well as Finance to the Agency.

Other panelists include Arc. Tina Onkwai, Director, Department of Asset Maintenance, Ministry of Works and Housing Abuja; Prof. Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environment Science, Unilag; Engr. Femi Akintunde, GMD/CEO of Alphamead Group; Mr. Segun Adebayo, President, IFMA, Nigeria. ESV. Stephen Jagun, First African IFMA Fellow moderated the discussion.