The Federal Government has taken a decisive step to safeguard Nigeria's public infrastructure by officially launching a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen the maintenance and preservation of government assets across the nation.
A Proactive Shift in Asset Management
This landmark initiative is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through its Department of Federal Public Assets Maintenance (FPAM). The department itself was created by Presidential Executive Order No. 11, which was formally gazetted on April 6, 2022. The core objective is to develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that guarantee effective, uniform, and sustainable management of all federal public assets.
Arc. Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna, the Director of FPAM, explained that the new public assets framework seeks to instil a culture of proactive upkeep within all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). "The goal is to institutionalise a proactive maintenance culture, prevent premature asset deterioration, and promote value-for-money through structured and standardised practices," she stated.
Tools for Compliance and Accountability
To translate this vision into reality, the department has created detailed compliance tools and SOPs focused on measurable outcomes, quality assurance, and consistency. FPAM is statutorily responsible for overseeing the maintenance functions of federal government assets, and this framework provides the mechanism to execute that mandate.
As part of the rollout, the ministry has already begun engagements with various MDAs to facilitate the implementation process. "We are providing a harmonised approach to asset maintenance and preservation across the Federal Public Service," Wogu-Ogbonna added.
To ensure seamless adoption, FPAM has distributed a suite of practical tools to all MDAs, including:
- A set of compliance forms for standardized reporting.
- A comprehensive maintenance manual detailing protocols and standards.
These documents are integral to a new certification and oversight process. They are designed to ensure:
- Proper documentation of all maintenance activities.
- Full traceability of work and expenditures.
- Enhanced accountability for asset conditions.
- Strict alignment with established maintenance standards.
A Major Breakthrough for National Infrastructure
Arc. Wogu-Ogbonna hailed the initiative as a significant achievement, acknowledging the unwavering support of Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. She described the framework as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government’s effort to safeguard public assets nationwide.
This move represents a critical shift from reactive repairs to planned, preventive maintenance. By protecting buildings, facilities, and other public investments from early decay, the government aims to extract maximum value from its assets, ultimately saving significant public funds and ensuring better services for citizens.
