The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digitalisation of Facilities Management Firms in Nigeria

This study explored the critical context-based issues fostering low adoption of digitalisation transformation in Nigerian facilities management (FM) firms. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through interviews, carried out among eight case FM firms in Nigeria purposively selected. The study utilised thematic analysis in analysing data generated. The study revealed the most significant factors inhibiting the adoption of digital transformation of FM firms, among which are lack of funds, shortage of trained professionals, lack of technical know-how, and low level of awareness. Also, the study revealed the strategies aiding the digital transformation of FM firms as government support, digital collaboration, training, increase in research and development, and standardisation of the industry using Building Information Modelling. The study concluded that the strategies aiding the digital transformation of FM firms are effective, as revealed by the case study firms, with some noticeable differences. The study recommended collaboration between government and stakeholders in the FM industry to work out an appropriate roadmap that would position the FM industry on the right track towards the adoption of the fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation in Nigeria.