Engr. Olufemi Alao, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FBS Engineering Construction Services Limited, stands as a paragon of professionalism and integrity within Nigeria's engineering and construction landscape. His recent recognition by The Guardian newspaper as one of the "100 Top Strategic CEOs of Nigeria’s Most Transformative and Iconic Companies In 2025" is a testament to a career built on unwavering standards and a passion for excellence.
From Mud Houses to Multi-Billion Naira Projects: The Alao Journey
The foundation of Engr. Alao's illustrious career was laid in childhood, where a fascination with building saw him sketching and constructing model houses from mud. This early passion seamlessly translated into formal education, where he obtained an HND in Civil Engineering from Yaba College of Technology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a Master’s degree in Urban Transportation Engineering from Lagos State University (LASU).
His professional path included valuable stints at renowned firms like Strabag Construction and Folio Construction Limited, where he honed his skills on significant projects. However, the entrepreneurial call led him to establish FBS Engineering Construction Services Limited over two decades ago. The company's humble beginning, starting operations with a modest contract worth just one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) from GTBank, contrasts sharply with its current stature, where it now manages projects valued in the billions of Naira.
The FBS Philosophy: Integrity as a Non-Negotiable Cornerstone
For Engr. Femi Alao, integrity and ethical practice are not mere buzzwords but the bedrock of FBS's operations and success. He attributes the company's sterling reputation and enduring client trust to a steadfast refusal to cut corners. "Since our commencement, we have never recorded any collapsed building in our history," he states emphatically. This commitment has sometimes meant walking away from lucrative contracts that demanded compromised standards, a decision he has never regretted.
The company's cutting-edge advantage is sustained through continuous investment in modern equipment, such as its two computerized batching plants in Lagos, and by attracting and retaining the best professionals in the industry. A client portfolio that includes giants like GTBank, Zenith Bank, StanbicIBTC, Coca-Cola, and the Lagos State Government, has been built solely on referrals generated by quality work, creating a self-sustaining cycle of trust and growth.
Navigating Challenges and a Vision for Nigeria's Construction Sector
Providing an overview of the business environment, Engr. Alao acknowledged the recent tough climate, particularly due to foreign exchange volatility which severely disrupted project planning and costing. Despite these hurdles, he highlights the construction sector's pivotal role as a major driver of Nigeria's economy, providing massive employment for engineers, artisans, labourers, and ancillary service providers.
He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its focus on funding construction projects and building enduring infrastructure like roads and rails across the nation. On a personal note, reflecting on his toughest decision—leaving a secure job for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship—he underscores the lessons of faith, tenacity, and focus. His risk-taking propensity, with a 70% success rate, has been integral to his journey, guided by the principle that "a good name is better than quick financial gains."
As a Fellow of multiple professional institutes including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a philanthropist recognised with numerous awards like the "Icon of Humanitarian Services," Engr. Olufemi Alao's story is one of a thoroughbred professional whose integrity-driven approach continues to promote and elevate standards in the Nigerian engineering construction industry.
