COO, Nuel Mark FM, Port Harcourt
By Emmanuel Mark, PhD, FNIVS, FRICS, FMP, RSV
COO, Nuel Mark FM, Port Harcourt
As cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt continue to expand, the demand for efficient and well-maintained infrastructure in Nigeria is becoming increasingly urgent. The rapid pace of urban development and economic growth is putting pressure on buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure to perform optimally. In this context, proactive-based maintenance presents a strategic and necessary solution. Unlike the conventional reactive maintenance model, which involves responding to problems only after they occur, proactive maintenance focuses on preventing issues before they arise. It emphasizes anticipation, early detection, and preventive action. This approach is particularly valuable in Nigeria, where financial and material resources are often stretched thin, making costly repairs and downtime from equipment failures increasingly unsustainable.
The benefits of proactive-based maintenance are significant. Building owners and facilities managers can reduce maintenance costs by up to 30%, extend the lifespan of assets by as much as 50%, improve equipment reliability, and increase overall user satisfaction. From office buildings and hospitals to schools, government facilities, and data centers, effective maintenance strategies directly contribute to better performance, safety, and efficiency. To successfully implement proactive-based maintenance in Nigeria, a structured process is essential. The first step is to define clear and measurable objectives that align with broader organizational goals. For example, if a company is committed to reducing its energy consumption, its maintenance practices must ensure that all equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
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Once objectives are set, it is important to align desired outcomes with those goals. Maintenance teams must translate strategic targets, such as achieving net-zero emissions, into actionable maintenance activities. These activities need to be clearly defined and tracked using digital solutions that allow teams to manage asset data from installation through to decommissioning. Technology plays a central role in proactive maintenance. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, generative AI, and automated response systems enables organizations to streamline their maintenance processes. These tools help translate strategic objectives into daily operational actions, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing building performance.
Measuring success is equally important. By analyzing data and generating detailed reports, organizations can clearly demonstrate how proactive maintenance efforts have led to tangible improvements—such as fewer equipment breakdowns, extended asset lifespans, and better user experiences. This evidence helps secure continued investment in maintenance strategies and reinforces the value of forward-planning. Several real-world examples illustrate how this approach can be applied in Nigeria. In Lagos, the state government could adopt IoT technologies to manage maintenance in public transportation systems, reducing downtime and improving commuter experiences. In Abuja, proactive maintenance programs in key government buildings—such as the National Assembly Complex—could lower energy consumption and increase operational reliability. In Port Harcourt, the use of AI-driven analytics in public hospitals and schools could help predict and address maintenance issues before they become critical, leading to cost savings and more efficient services.
As Nigeria continues to urbanize and modernize, adopting proactive maintenance is no longer just an option—it is a necessity. Beyond the technical benefits, this approach represents a shift in mindset. It promotes faster response times, reduces unplanned downtime, enhances stakeholder satisfaction, and boosts the long-term value of assets. By embracing proactive-based maintenance, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its built environment and lay the foundation for a more sustainable, efficient, and productive future.
