Mr Andrea Geday, Managing Director of Provast Limited, speaks with BusinessDay about how the company evolved into a “One-Stop Solution”for the entire range of solutions including building design, MEP works, Fit-Out, projects andtotal facility management through periodic facility condition assessments, asset life-cycle planning, phased infrastructure upgrades, and data-driven maintenance strategies among other key insights. Excerpts:
1. The global theme for World FM Day 2026 focuses on ‘Resilient Foundations for a Sustainable Future.’ Given Provast’s long-standing history in Nigeria, how are you evolving your service models to ensure that aging infrastructure in the country remains resilient against both climate change and economic volatility?
Provast has evolved its facility management model from reactive maintenance to predictive, resilience-driven asset management. The company has also evolved into a “One-Stop Solution” for the entire range of solutions including building design, MEP works, Fit Out, projects and total facility management through periodic facility condition assessments, asset life-cycle planning, phased infrastructure upgrades, and data-driven maintenance strategies, the company improves the operational reliability of aging infrastructure while reducing downtime and emergency repair exposure.
To address climate and economic pressures, Provast gets involved in its projects from the design stage to integrate durable engineering specifications, protective infrastructure enhancements, and energy optimisation solutions, including solar hybrid systems and Independent Power Providers (IPP). This approach ensures facilities remain operationally resilient, energy-efficient, and financially sustainable despite rising energy costs, climate risks, and market volatility.
2. We’ve moved past the era of simple CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management). How is Provast integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI analytics into its managed properties to provide real-time energy monitoring and automated fault detection?
Provast is actively integrating IoT-enabled monitoring systems and AI-driven analytics into its managed facilities to enable real-time asset visibility, predictive maintenance, and intelligent operational control. The company deploys smart sensors across critical infrastructure such as power systems, HVAC, water distribution, and sewage networks to monitor asset performance, energy consumption, and operational anomalies in real time. Technologies such as Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) have significantly improved diesel accountability, reduced losses, and optimised utility management.
Operational data generated from these systems is analysed to predict equipment failures, automate fault detection, and improve maintenance planning. This transition toward intelligent facility operations reduces downtime, improves asset lifespan, enhances data-driven decision-making, and minimises operational risks associated with delayed spare-part procurement and unstable supply chains
3. With the ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s energy landscape and the push for renewables, what is Provast’s roadmap for transitioning its managed portfolios, particularly high-load commercial sites, toward solar hybridisation and energy-as-a-service models?
Provast’s renewable energy roadmap is built on a phased, data-driven transition strategy focused on operational sustainability and financial viability for high-load commercial facilities. The process begins with comprehensive energy audits and load-profile analysis to identify optimisation opportunities and determine the most effective solar hybrid integration model. Provast then deploys modular renewable energy solutions designed to reduce diesel dependency while maintaining system reliability and operational continuity.
Recognising the capital-intensive nature of full-scale renewable adoption, the company prioritises scalable implementation, starting with low-load systems such as lighting and auxiliary infrastructure before transitioning larger energy-intensive assets. This structured approach enables clients to achieve measurable energy savings, improved efficiency, and long-term sustainability without compromising performance
4. The FM industry in Nigeria is professionalising rapidly. What is Provast doing to bridge the technical skills gap, and how are you ensuring that the next generation of Nigerian facility managers is equipped with both technical ‘hard’ skills and the ‘soft’ leadership skills the role now demands?
Provast addresses the growing technical skills gap in facility management through structured workforce development, technical training, and leadership capacity building. Provast being a shareholder of ETIWA Technical College, develops technicians, artisans, and graduate trainees through hands-on technical programs, mentorship, and operational exposure across managed facilities. Training focuses on core engineering competencies, building systems management, safety compliance, and modern FM techniques. Beyond technical capability, Provast places strong emphasis on leadership development, stakeholder management, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills to prepare professionals for the increasingly strategic role of facility management. Through continuous professional development and performance-based mentoring, the company is building a technically competent and future-ready FM workforce.
5. Looking toward 2030, what is the one ‘disruptor’ you believe will completely change how facilities are managed in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, and how is Provast positioning itself to lead that change today?
Provast believes the biggest disruptor in facility management by 2030 will be the industry’s increasing awareness of the risks associated with poor maintenance culture and weak lifecycle asset management. Facility Management must be treated as a critical part of infrastructure development, with FM professionals involved from the project conceptualisation stage to ensure long-term maintainability, operational efficiency, and asset sustainability.
Provast also advocates for stronger institutional support through subsidised funding, maintenance incentives, and policies that make lifecycle maintenance planning a mandatory part of construction and infrastructure agreements. This will improve asset preservation, attract more skilled professionals into the industry, and strengthen infrastructure resilience.
Increased awareness of the safety and economic consequences of poor maintenance, such as fires, lift failures, and infrastructure deterioration, will further drive the demand for professional FM services