Assessing the level of commitment and barriers to sustainable facilities management practice: A case of Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the state of sustainable FM practice in Nigeria particularly as it relates to the level of commitment and barriers faced by corporate organisations. The paper uses questionnaire survey of 58 respondents (facilities managers and other top managers who have FM portfolios) representing 58 corporate organisations registered with Nigeria’s corporate affairs commission. It also involved interview sections in a case study setting with three interviewees representing three corporate establishments in Nigeria. Supported by empirical evidence, this study establishes the three main barriers to sustainable FM practice as lack of training and tools, lack of relevant laws and regulation, and lack of awareness in that order; while the level of commitment among organisations is reported to be mixed. Majority of respondents (52%) are however of the opinion that senior management personnel should be at the forefront of championing improvement of the level of commitment to sustainable FM practices within organisations. This paper recommends that government should: (1) fast track passage of pending eco-friendly bills such as petroleum industry bill (PIB) now stagnated at the national assembly (2) empower regulatory agencies to enforce and strengthen existing regulations on sustainable working practices and (3) create awareness on sustainability in general and sustainable FM practice in particular through advocacy and enlightenment programmes. This paper provides an enhanced understanding of the state of sustainable FM practice in Nigeria.