The management of facilities is a crucial facet of organizational functionality, involving the supervision of a company’s physical assets and infrastructure (IFMA, 2021). This extensive domain encompasses various activities, such as maintenance, repairs, cleaning, security, and energy management, with the overarching goal of maintaining these assets in optimal condition for enhanced organizational performance (BIFM, 2018). Facilities managers play a pivotal role in proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, necessitating effective communication skills to collaborate with internal departments and external vendors (CIBSE, 2019).
Facility managers bear the responsibility of overseeing day-to-day operations related to a company’s physical assets, ensuring their proper maintenance and timely execution of repairs (CIBSE, 2019). Concurrently, maintenance managers collaborate closely with facility managers, concentrating on the maintenance and repair aspects of a company’s physical assets to guarantee their sustained functionality (BIFM, 2018).
The scope of facilities management is expansive, encompassing tasks from asset maintenance to the optimization of operational efficiency. Operations managers assume a pivotal role in supervising the overall operations of a company’s physical assets, working in tandem with facility and maintenance managers to uphold the assets’ well-maintained status (IFMA, 2021). Simultaneously, project managers oversee specific projects related to a company’s physical assets, collaborating closely with facility and maintenance managers to ensure timely and budget-compliant project completion (CIBSE, 2019).
Functions of FM Companies in Property growth and Development in Lagos:
In Lagos, Nigeria, functions of FM Companies offer a multifaceted discipline crucial for the effective operation of buildings, ensuring they align with occupants’ needs while maintaining peak functionality. This piece delves into the extensive domain of facilities management in Lagos, shedding light on essential skills, job prospects, and salary expectations in this dynamic field. With Lagos experiencing rapid urbanization and boasting diverse infrastructure, the demand for adept facilities managers is on a notable upswing.
The burgeoning growth of Lagos and its surrounding areas has propelled a significant surge in the demand for facilities management services. Consequently, this surge has translated into increased job opportunities for proficient professionals in the field. Common job titles in facilities management encompass roles such as facility manager, maintenance manager, operations manager, and project manager, reflecting the expanding landscape of opportunities (IFMA, 2021).
In Lagos, the escalating demand for facilities management services has not only amplified job opportunities but has also influenced the remuneration for skilled professionals in the field. This article endeavors to unravel the intricacies of facilities management, elucidate the requisite skills for success, and provide insights into the burgeoning job landscape and corresponding salaries in Lagos.
Facilities managers in Lagos are expected to wield robust project management skills. Tasked with overseeing multiple projects concurrently, they bear the responsibility of ensuring each project’s timely completion and adherence to budget constraints. Problem-solving skills assume paramount importance as facilities managers must adeptly identify issues and devise effective solutions promptly (BIFM, 2018).
Skills Development in Facilities Management:
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Technical Proficiency: Lagos, with its blend of modern and traditional structures, demands facilities managers with strong technical skills. Proficiency in utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) is crucial. Technical acumen ensures effective management of building systems, from HVAC to security.
According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), staying updated on emerging technologies is essential for facilities managers (IFMA, 2022). -
Sustainability Expertise: Lagos, like many urban centers, faces environmental challenges. Facilities managers need to develop expertise in sustainable practices, including energy efficiency, waste management, and adherence to green building standards. Knowledge of certifications such as LEED is advantageous.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into facilities management practices (GRI, 2021). -
Soft Skills and Leadership: Effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership are vital skills. Facilities managers must liaise with diverse stakeholders, resolve issues promptly, and lead teams to achieve operational excellence.
According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), soft skills are identified as critical for facilities managers in managing relationships and achieving objectives (RICS, 2020).
Jobs in Facilities Management:
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Facilities Manager: The role of a facilities manager in Lagos is expansive. Responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations, managing maintenance teams, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. A facilities manager is the linchpin in maintaining a conducive environment for occupants.
The “Nigeria Facility Management Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 – 2026)” report highlights the increasing demand for facilities managers in Nigeria (Mordor Intelligence, 2021). -
Maintenance Technician: Maintenance technicians are crucial for executing repair and maintenance tasks. From electrical systems to plumbing, these professionals play a hands-on role in ensuring the smooth functioning of facilities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of maintenance workers is projected to grow (BLS, 2021). -
Sustainability Manager: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the role of a sustainability manager is gaining prominence. This professional is responsible for implementing and monitoring green initiatives, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring facilities align with sustainability goals.
The World Green Building Council emphasizes the need for skilled professionals to drive sustainability in the built environment (WorldGBC, 2022).
Salaries of Facilities Manager:
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Facilities Manager: In Lagos, a facilities manager can expect a competitive salary, often commensurate with experience and the scale of the facilities managed. According to salary data from Payscale, the average salary for a Facilities Manager in Lagos is around ₦3,500,000 per year (Payscale, 2022).
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Maintenance Technician: Entry-level maintenance technicians may start with salaries around ₦600,000 per year, with experienced technicians earning upwards of ₦1,200,000 annually (Glassdoor, 2022).
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Sustainability Manager: Given the specialized nature of the role, a sustainability manager in Lagos can command a salary ranging from ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,000,000 per year, depending on experience and organizational requirements (Glassdoor, 2022).
Concerning salaries, facility managers with 5-7 years of experience typically earn an average salary ranging from 200,000 to 320,000 Naira in Lagos. However, only approximately 50% of facility managers enjoy additional benefits such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Pension, and 13th-month bonuses. Notably, common perks include allowances for data and calls or transportation. These allowances are particularly pertinent in the realm of facility management, where effective and timely communication plays a pivotal role, involving constant interaction with both individuals and machinery in a continuous operational flow (RPF, 2023).
In summary, facilities management stands as an indispensable facet of organizational functioning. The burgeoning growth witnessed in Lagos and its environs has precipitated an escalating demand for adept professionals in this field. Successful facilities managers must possess a diverse array of skills, encompassing attention to detail, effective communication, project management, problem-solving, and a profound understanding of building codes and regulations. Lagos offers competitive salaries and a range of benefits, making facilities management an alluring career choice for those inclined towards this field.
Facilities management in Lagos involves a nuanced interplay of skills, job opportunities, and competitive remuneration. As the city undergoes continual growth and urbanization, the need for skilled facilities management professionals is poised to surge. Aspirants aiming to excel in this field are advised to invest in ongoing skills development, staying abreast of technological advancements, sustainability trends, and cultivating robust leadership and communication abilities. Armed with these skills, facilities managers in Lagos can adeptly navigate the intricacies of the urban environment, ensuring the seamless operation of buildings and the well-being of their occupants.
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021). Maintenance and Repair Workers.
4. Glassdoor. (2022). Salaries in Lagos, Nigeria.
5. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). Sustainable Facilities Management.
6. International Facility Management Association (IFMA). (2022). IFMA Competency Model.
7. International Facility Management Association (IFMA). (2021). What is Facility Management?
8. Mordor Intelligence. (2021). Nigeria Facility Management Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 – 2026).
9. Payscale. (2022). Average Facilities Manager Salary in Lagos, Nigeria.
10. Rp Facilities Limited (RPF). (2023). Salary Challenges and Unlocking Growth in Nigeria’s Facility Management Sector. Retrieved from https://www.rpfacilities.com/post/salary-challenges-and-unlocking-growth-in-nigeria-s-facility-management-sector
11. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). (2020). The Role of the Facility Manager: A Rapid Evidence Assessment.
12. World Green Building Council (WorldGBC). (2022). Green Building Skills: Skills for Green Building Professionals.
