The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Lagos, is designed to promote the adoption of smart technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen professional standards within the built environment.

“Our collaboration with Venco aligns with IFMA’s global mission to advance facility management through innovation, standards, and education,” said Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria. “By integrating technology and professional practice, we are positioning Nigeria’s FM industry to compete globally while improving the quality and sustainability of managed assets across the country.”
Through its proprietary digital infrastructure, Venco automates core community operations — including service charge collections, access control, utility vending, and issue resolution — across residential and commercial properties in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

The company currently powers more than 40,000 property units across 14 African cities, enabling smarter, safer, and more transparent communities.
Chude Osiegbu, CEO of Venco Africa, added: “This partnership is about building the digital backbone of Africa’s real estate and facility management ecosystem. Together with IFMA, we’re equipping professionals with the tools and data to manage buildings more efficiently, predictably, and sustainably. The future of FM is data-driven — and Africa will not be left behind.”

As part of the collaboration, IFMA Nigeria and Venco will jointly organize training programmes, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing events focused on digital transformation and sustainability. The partnership will also feature joint participation in industry gatherings, including the upcoming Real Estate Management in Africa (REMA) Conference 2025, convened by Venco.

The conference, themed “Structures Beyond Buildings: Managing Africa’s Urban Communities,” will hold on November 6, 2025, at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, and will bring together over 400 developers, facility managers, policymakers, and PropTech innovators to shape the future of African urban living.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to raising standards, enhancing competitiveness, and advancing innovation within Africa’s built environment.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Lagos, is designed to promote the adoption of smart technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen professional standards within the built environment.

“Our collaboration with Venco aligns with IFMA’s global mission to advance facility management through innovation, standards, and education,” said Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria. “By integrating technology and professional practice, we are positioning Nigeria’s FM industry to compete globally while improving the quality and sustainability of managed assets across the country.”

READ ALSO: World Facility Management Day: IFMA Nigeria Champions Tech-Driven Resilience

Through its proprietary digital infrastructure, Venco automates core community operations — including service charge collections, access control, utility vending, and issue resolution — across residential and commercial properties in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. The company currently powers more than 40,000 property units across 14 African cities, enabling smarter, safer, and more transparent communities.

Chude Osiegbu, CEO of Venco Africa, added: “This partnership is about building the digital backbone of Africa’s real estate and facility management ecosystem. Together with IFMA, we’re equipping professionals with the tools and data to manage buildings more efficiently, predictably, and sustainably. The future of FM is data-driven — and Africa will not be left behind.”

As part of the collaboration, IFMA Nigeria and Venco will jointly organize training programmes, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing events focused on digital transformation and sustainability. The partnership will also feature joint participation in industry gatherings, including the upcoming Real Estate Management in Africa (REMA) Conference 2025, convened by Venco.

The conference, themed “Structures Beyond Buildings: Managing Africa’s Urban Communities,” will hold on November 6, 2025, at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, and will bring together over 400 developers, facility managers, policymakers, and PropTech innovators to shape the future of African urban living.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to raising standards, enhancing competitiveness, and advancing innovation within Africa’s built environment.

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter, established nearly three decades ago, is an affiliate of IFMA Worldwide — the world’s largest association for facility management professionals. IFMA Nigeria advances FM practice through education, training, research, and advocacy, supporting professionals across public and private sectors.

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Daramola expressed gratitude and a renewed commitment to advancing facility management (FM) in Nigeria. He emphasized, “Today marks a milestone for the continuous growth of FM in Nigeria, with a focus on contributing to the nation’s GDP, empowering our members, and driving the profession forward”. He pledged to prioritize advocacy, education, training, and skills development, aligned with IFMA’s 11 career-based competencies. He challenged facility management professionals to take the lead in fostering sustainability goals and contribute to reduction in carbon footprints and minimizing wastages in service delivery.

Engr. Daramola outlined an ambitious agenda for his tenure, including fostering collaborations, promoting FM curricula, enhancing mentorship programmes, and hosting the prestigious IFMA Global Africa event. With a keen focus on integrating smart technologies and innovative practices, he aims to position Nigeria as a leader in global FM standards.

A seasoned engineer and FM professional with over 30 years of experience, Engr. Daramola is currently a director of Specific Tools & Techniques Ltd, a facility management and engineering firm in West and East Africa. He has a remarkable track record in infrastructure maintenance, project management, and integrated facility solutions. His career highlights include leadership roles at Stallion Property and Development Company Limited (NNPC subsidiary), Amalgamated Estate Limited, and Family Health International, an organization dedicated to improving lives.

Engr. Daramola is an active member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and the Institute of Directors. He has held key positions within IFMA, including Vice President, Chairman of the Training Faculty, General Secretary and the Lead Coordinator for external conferences and exhibitions.

An alumnus of Mechanical/Production Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Lagos State University, Ojo. He has further honed his expertise through the Owners Managers Programme at Lagos Business School, Strathmore University, Kenya and International training in facility management.

He actively contributes to community service through the Magodo GRA Phase II Residents Association (MRA), where he is the current Chairman of the estate.

Other elected members in steering the affairs of the association with Engr. Sheriff Daramola are: Hakeem Olaonipekun as Vice President; Chinedu Nwachukwu as General Secretary; Blessing Ogunleye as Assistant General Secretary; Adetoun Otepola as Treasurer and Shuaibat Shuaib as Publicity Secretary.

Fashola, who delivered the keynote address at the IFMA Global Africa Conference 2025 in Lagos, stressed that sustainable facility management was critical to job creation, climate change adaptation, and efficient use of public resources.

According to him, while building construction employs only about 30 per cent of professionals in the industry on a short-term basis, over 70 per cent derive long-term employment from the operation and maintenance of facilities.

“That is where the jobs are, we must move away from unsustainable empowerment models such as motorcycles and tricycles, which worsen carbon emissions, and instead channel resources into facility management as a viable and enduring alternative.”

The former minister argued that budgeting for infrastructure should go beyond construction to include maintenance contracts for schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, water facilities and government offices.

Highlighting the emergence of “smart buildings” equipped with sensor-based technology for lighting, heating, and water supply, Fashola said, “this underscored the need for a skilled workforce in facility management.

“Sustainability is not a buzzword. It is now a global requirement embedded in policy, financing and credit. Nigeria must pay attention if we are to prepare for rapid urban growth.”

In his speech, Michael Geary, IFMA Worldwide President/CEO said, “The future of facility management is inextricably linked to sustainability, and nowhere is this more vital than in Africa.

The continent’s rapid growth presents a unique opportunity for us to build and manage infrastructure that is not only efficient and resilient but also environmentally and socially responsible. By enabling sustainable FM practices, we are not just optimizing buildings—we are building a more prosperous and sustainable future for communities across Africa and setting a global standard for what is possible.”

Earlier, IFMA Nigeria Chapter President, Engr Sherif Daramola, described the conference, the first of its kind in Nigeria, as the realisation of a 27-year-old dream by the association’s founding members.

He said the gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and students would reposition the built environment through topical presentations, panel discussions and technical sessions.

Global Chair of IFMA, Christa Dodoo, commended the Nigerian and Ghanaian chapters for their role in professionalising facility management in Africa, noting that Nigeria’s membership recently recorded a 200 per cent growth.

Dodoo warned that Africa must prepare for an unprecedented wave of urbanisation, with Lagos projected to become the world’s largest city by 2100 with an estimated 100 million residents.

“A skilled workforce must operate and maintain these facilities, holding them to the highest standards of efficiency, safety and functionality. This opens great potential for FM, but also makes it a huge asset for Africa’s economy and future,” she said.

Prior to the conference, an executive c-suite round table on circular economy was held with key stakeholders in public and private sectors to understand how Circular Economy can enable growth and impact in Facility Management in Africa.

The two-day conference, themed “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Africa,” with technical sessions on Circular Economy, Sustainable Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Innovative Solutions and Public Infrastructure Management brought in speakers from all across the globe. A FM tour to the solar panel wrapped Sterling Towers in Lagos, a fun train ride from Marina Train Station to the National Art Theatre Iganmu and a Cultural tour to JK Randle Centre, Lagos were carried out after the conference.

Fashola, who delivered the keynote address at the IFMA Global Africa Conference 2025 in Lagos, stressed that sustainable facility management was critical to job creation, climate change adaptation, and efficient use of public resources.

According to him, while building construction employs only about 30 per cent of professionals in the industry on a short-term basis, over 70 per cent derive long-term employment from the operation and maintenance of facilities.

“That is where the jobs are, we must move away from unsustainable empowerment models such as motorcycles and tricycles, which worsen carbon emissions, and instead channel resources into facility management as a viable and enduring alternative.”

The former minister argued that budgeting for infrastructure should go beyond construction to include maintenance contracts for schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, water facilities and government offices.

Highlighting the emergence of “smart buildings” equipped with sensor-based technology for lighting, heating, and water supply, Fashola said, “this underscored the need for a skilled workforce in facility management.

“Sustainability is not a buzzword. It is now a global requirement embedded in policy, financing and credit. Nigeria must pay attention if we are to prepare for rapid urban growth.”

In his speech, Michael Geary, IFMA Worldwide President/CEO said, “The future of facility management is inextricably linked to sustainability, and nowhere is this more vital than in Africa. The continent’s rapid growth presents a unique opportunity for us to build and manage infrastructure that is not only efficient and resilient but also environmentally and socially responsible. By enabling sustainable FM practices, we are not just optimizing buildings—we are building a more prosperous and sustainable future for communities across Africa and setting a global standard for what is possible.”

Earlier, IFMA Nigeria Chapter President, Engr Sherif Daramola, described the conference, the first of its kind in Nigeria, as the realisation of a 27-year-old dream by the association’s founding members.

He said the gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and students would reposition the built environment through topical presentations, panel discussions and technical sessions.

Global Chair of IFMA, Christa Dodoo, commended the Nigerian and Ghanaian chapters for their role in professionalising facility management in Africa, noting that Nigeria’s membership recently recorded a 200 per cent growth.

Dodoo warned that Africa must prepare for an unprecedented wave of urbanisation, with Lagos projected to become the world’s largest city by 2100 with an estimated 100 million residents.

“A skilled workforce must operate and maintain these facilities, holding them to the highest standards of efficiency, safety and functionality. This opens great potential for FM, but also makes it a huge asset for Africa’s economy and future,” she said.

Prior to the conference, an executive c-suite round table on circular economy was held with key stakeholders in public and private sectors to understand how Circular Economy can enable growth and impact in Facility Management in Africa.

The two-day conference, themed “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Africa,” with technical sessions on Circular Economy, Sustainable Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Innovative Solutions and Public Infrastructure Management brought in speakers from all across the globe. A FM tour to the solar panel wrapped Sterling Towers in Lagos, a fun train ride from Marina Train Station to the National Art Theatre Iganmu and a Cultural tour to JK Randle Centre, Lagos were carried out after the conference.

Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, Nigeria’s Former Federal Minister of Works and Housing, and Michael Geary, IFMA Worldwide President/CEO are expected to deliver a keynote address and lead other dicussants at the conference.

A statement from the organisers said, ‘The landmark event is expected bring together facility management professionals, business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators from across Africa and beyond for two energizing days of learning, networking, and strategic collaboration.’

It noted: “Hosted under the theme “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Africa’” the multidisciplinary gathering will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, technical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in facility and asset management

Quoting Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, “Hosting the IFMA Global Africa Conference in Lagos underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the facility management space and its potential to set benchmarks for the African continent. This conference is not just about professional development-it’s about building resilient, sustainable, and world-class environments for businesses and communities.”

He added, “The conference will be a platform for bold ideas and practical solutions that can redefine facility management across Africa. We’re bringing together the best minds and the most committed professionals to collaborate for a sustainable future.”

Participants will also benefit from an exhibition of cutting-edge FM technologies and solutions, offering hands-on experiences with tools that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in managed facilities.

Other Speakers include: Christa Dodoo the IFMA Global C hair; Lara Paemen, Managing Director, IFMA EMEA; Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President, IFMA Ghana Chapter; Sherif Khaled of Africa FM; Thulasizwe Hadebe and Lydia Raphudufudu from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Additional Speakers are Adenike Adekanbi, General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Circular Economy Advisor to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Segun Adebayo, CEO, Pillars & Frames Limited and Top Global IFMA Influencer; Dr. (Arc.) David Adio-Moses and Dr. John, Iniobong Beauty from the University of Lagos; Alfred Nkurikiyimfura – USA Embassy, Kigali and Stephen Dagit, Prof Matt Tucker, IFMA Director of Research, Prof. Chioma Okoro, a Researcher and Editor in Facility Management Profession, Dr. John and Dr. Darlington Agholor of Pan-Atlantic University, amongst others.

This landmark event will bring together facility management professionals, business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators from across Africa and beyond for two energizing days of learning, networking, and strategic collaboration. The conference is positioned to shape the future of the built environment across the continent.

Hosted under the theme “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Africa,” the multidisciplinary gathering will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, technical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in facility and asset management.

Speaking on the upcoming conference, Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, stated, “Hosting the IFMA Global Africa Conference in Lagos underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the facility management space and its potential to set benchmarks for the African continent. This conference is not just about professional development—it’s about building resilient, sustainable, and world-class environments for businesses and communities.”

He added, “The conference will be a platform for bold ideas and practical solutions that can redefine facility management across Africa. We’re bringing together the best minds and the most committed professionals to collaborate for a sustainable future.”

Participants will also benefit from an exhibition of cutting-edge FM technologies and solutions, offering hands-on experiences with tools that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in managed facilities.

Keynote and Featured Speakers include: Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, Former Federal Minister of Works and Housing, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Michael Geary, IFMA Worldwide President/CEO; Christa Dodoo the IFMA Global Chair; Lara Paemen, Managing Director, IFMA EMEA; Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President, IFMA Ghana Chapter; Sherif Khaled of Africa FM; Thulasizwe Hadebe and Lydia Raphudufudu from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Additional Speakers are Adenike Adekanbi, General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Circular Economy Advisor to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Segun Adebayo, CEO, Pillars & Frames Limited and Top Global IFMA Influencer; Dr. (Arc.) David Adio-Moses and Dr. John, Iniobong Beauty from the University of Lagos; Alfred Nkurikiyimfura – USA Embassy, Kigali and Stephen Dagit, Prof Matt Tucker, IFMA Director of Research, Prof. Chioma Okoro, a Researcher and Editor in Facility Management Profession, Dr. John and Dr. Darlington Agholor of Pan-Atlantic University, amongst others.

The #IFMAGlobalAfricaConference 2025 is more than an event—it’s a movement shaping the future of facility management practices across Africa. Attendees will connect with thought leaders, learn from real-world case studies, expand their professional networks, and be part of the continent’s FM transformation.

The conference is open to facility management professionals, real estate developers, architects, engineers, corporate leaders, government agencies, and students eager to advance their knowledge and impact in the FM industry.

This landmark event will bring together facility management professionals, business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators from across Africa and beyond for two energising days of learning, networking, and strategic collaboration. The conference is positioned to shape the future of the built environment across the continent.

Hosted under the theme “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practice in Africa,” the multidisciplinary gathering will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, technical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in facility and asset management.

Speaking at the upcoming conference, Engr. Sheriff Daramola, President of IFMA Nigeria Chapter, stated, “Hosting the IFMA Global Africa Conference in Lagos underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the facility management space and its potential to set benchmarks for the African continent.

This conference is not just about professional development—it’s about building resilient, sustainable, and world-class environments for businesses and communities.”

He added, “The conference will be a platform for bold ideas and practical solutions that can redefine facility management across Africa. We’re bringing together the best minds and the most committed professionals to collaborate for a sustainable future.”

Participants will also benefit from an exhibition of cutting-edge FM technologies and solutions, offering hands-on experiences with tools that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in managed facilities.

Keynote and featured speakers include: Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, former Federal Minister of Works and Housing, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Michael Geary, IFMA Worldwide President/CEO; Christa Dodoo the IFMA Global Chair; Lara Paemen, Managing Director, IFMA EMEA; Sampson Opare-Agyemang, President, IFMA Ghana Chapter; Sherif Khaled of Africa FM; Thulasizwe Hadebe and Lydia Raphudufudu from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Additional speakers are Adenike Adekanbi, General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Circular Economy Advisor to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Segun Adebayo, CEO, Pillars & Frames Limited and Top Global IFMA Influencer; Dr. (Arc.) David Adio-Moses and Dr. John, Iniobong Beauty from the University of Lagos; Alfred Nkurikiyimfura – USA Embassy, Kigali and Stephen Dagit, Prof Matt Tucker, IFMA Director of Research, Prof. Chioma Okoro, a Researcher and Editor in Facility Management Profession, Dr. John and Dr. Darlington Agholor of Pan-Atlantic University, amongst others.

In his opening remarks, IFMA Nigeria President, Engineer Sherif Daramola, hailed facility managers as the backbone of thriving organizations. He stated that the day was designed to recognize professionals who ensure the functionality, safety, and efficiency of built environments, often under intense pressure.

According to him “Our teams have not just adapted, they have led with courage, agility, and unwavering commitment,” Daramola said. “Facility managers are the enablers of change. Their resilience ensures that disruption does not negate progress but drives transformation.”

Highlighting the growing importance of technological adaptability, Daramola noted the rise of predictive maintenance, smart systems, and sustainability-driven procurement. “Technology disruptions are here. The question is: are we ready?” he asked, pointing to the need for continuous upskilling and engagement.

Daramola also addressed government involvement, noting that states like Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Kaduna, and Anambra are embracing structured facility management practices. He referenced the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s investments in facility management as a benchmark for infrastructure sustainability in public institutions.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), who emphasized the pivotal role of facility managers in waste reduction and circular economy practices.

“Fifty percent of Lagos’ waste is organic and can be converted into biogas or compost,” Gbadegesin said. “We’re launching a biodigester in one of our major fruit markets this June to convert waste into power, cooking gas, and charging points.”

He called on facility managers to integrate waste separation and recycling practices into their buildings, insisting that LAWMA is actively pursuing a partnership model with facility managers to reduce the burden on dump sites like Olusosun.

“We need separate bins in every facility, plastic, metal, glass. We must phase out irresponsible dumping. We currently have cases in court and there are penalties including jail terms,” he warned.

Looking ahead, IFMA Nigeria announced that it will host the 2nd Annual IFMA Africa Conference in Lagos from August 19–23, 2025. Themed “Enabling Sustainable Facility Management Practices in Africa,” the conference will cover topics such as circular economy, AI in FM, sustainable technology, innovative solutions and public infrastructure management. According to past FMA Nigeria President Segun Adebayo, the event will feature paper presentations, workshops, panel sessions, exhibitions and tours

The body also pledged to prioritise advocacy, education, training, and skills development in line with IFMA’s 11 career-based competencies.

In a Monday statement, IFMA management quoted the new President, Sheriff Daramola, as saying “Our focus is on empowering professionals to drive sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and cut waste in service delivery, all while contributing to the nation’s GDP.

“Today marks a milestone for the growth of FM and a pivotal moment for advancing FM in the country.

“Facility management is a critical sector for national development, and we must equip practitioners with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

In his tenure, Daramola promised to enhance mentorship programs, promote FM curricula, and host the IFMA Global Africa event to position Nigeria as a leader in global FM standards.

“This is a time for collaboration and bold action. Together, we can build a future where facility management significantly boosts our economy,” he stated.

Joining Daramola in IFMA Nigeria’s leadership are Hakeem Olaonipekun as Vice President, Chinedu Nwachukwu as General Secretary, Blessing Ogunleye as Assistant General Secretary, Adetoun Otepola as Treasurer, and Shuaibat Shuaib as Publicity Secretary.