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How to Improve the Outlook of an Old Building for Business Purposes in Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2024

OCHEFA

267 Views

By Dennis Isong

In Nigeria, many businesses are housed in older buildings due to their affordability, strategic location, or historical value.

However, these buildings often require significant upgrades to be visually appealing and functional for modern commercial purposes.

Revamping an old building can greatly improve its commercial viability, attract tenants or customers, and boost business operations.

Improving the outlook of an old building doesn’t always require a full-scale renovation; strategic enhancements can offer significant improvements. In this article, we will discuss practical steps to improve the aesthetics and functionality of an old building for business purposes in Nigeria.

Do a Building Assessment
Before embarking on any improvement project, a thorough assessment of the building’s current state is essential. This evaluation should cover both the exterior and interior, identifying areas that need repair or replacement.
Ensure the building is structurally sound. Look for cracks, water damage, or foundation problems. Consult a structural engineer if necessary.
Outdated wiring or plumbing can be hazardous. Have professionals inspect these systems and update them to meet modern safety standards.
Consider how the building’s design, façade, and layout affect its appearance. Does it look old and outdated? Could minor cosmetic changes make a significant difference?
Once the assessment is complete, prioritize repairs based on necessity and budget.
Enhance the Façade
The exterior of the building is the first thing customers or tenants see, and its condition can impact first impressions.
Improving the façade should be a key focus in your project to modernize the building. In Nigeria’s competitive business environment, a visually appealing exterior can make a huge difference in attracting clients.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the outlook of an old building is through a fresh coat of paint. Opt for modern, neutral colors that suit the business type. Vibrant accents can add character and appeal.
Outdated or damaged windows and doors can make a building look dilapidated. Install modern glass windows and sleek doors that complement the new look.
Invest in modern, high-quality signage. Ensure it is visible, well-lit, and reflects the brand image.
A well-maintained lawn, trees, or flower beds can enhance the curb appeal of your building. Consider adding potted plants or small garden areas, especially in urban areas where green spaces are scarce.
Modernize the Interior Design
Once you’ve addressed the building’s exterior, focus on transforming the interior to meet the needs of modern businesses. Outdated layouts or designs can deter potential tenants or customers, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, or offices.
Many modern businesses prefer open, flexible spaces. If possible, remove unnecessary partitions or walls to create an open, airy environment.
Upgrade old lighting systems to energy-efficient LED lights. A combination of natural and artificial lighting enhances visibility and can make a space feel larger.
Use modern furniture that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Opt for ergonomic chairs and sleek desks if you’re creating an office space.
The décor should also reflect the brand and business type.
Old, worn-out flooring can diminish the building’s appeal. Consider replacing it with durable, stylish options like polished concrete, laminate, or tile.
In Nigeria’s hot climate, proper ventilation and air conditioning are essential for creating a comfortable business environment. Ensure that HVAC systems are in good condition or upgrade them if necessary.
Upgrade Energy Efficiency
Energy costs in Nigeria can be a significant expense for businesses, especially when dealing with older buildings that were not designed with modern energy-efficiency standards.
Upgrading the building’s energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also makes the property more attractive to eco-conscious tenants.
Proper insulation can significantly reduce the need for excessive air conditioning. Install insulation in the roof, walls, and floors to regulate indoor temperatures.
Consider installing solar panels to supplement the electricity supply, reducing dependency on the grid.
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria as a way to offset high electricity costs. Use double-glazed windows to minimize heat loss and reduce the need for constant air conditioning. Installing smart thermostats allows tenants to control the temperature more efficiently, reducing energy waste.
Improve Accessibility
Accessibility is a crucial factor when improving an old building for business purposes. Ensuring that your property is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, broadens its market appeal and complies with legal requirements.
Ensure the building has wide, accessible entrances and exits. Ramps or elevators may need to be installed to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Provide restrooms that are accessible to people with disabilities. This may involve widening doorways or installing handrails.
Designate parking spaces close to the entrance for disabled individuals. If the building is situated in a busy area, ensure adequate and accessible parking facilities.
Maintain the Building Regularly
Once the improvements have been made, regular maintenance is essential to keep the building in good condition. Neglecting maintenance can cause the building to deteriorate quickly, negating the value of your investments.Schedule routine cleaning of both the interior and exterior.
This helps maintain the building’s appeal and prevents issues like mould or pest infestations.Conduct regular inspections of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Promptly fix any damages, whether it’s a leaky roof, cracked windows, or malfunctioning security systems. Delaying repairs can lead to bigger problems and higher costs in the future.
Rebrand the Building
If the building is old, it might have a reputation that no longer fits its new look and function.
Rebranding can attract new tenants or customers by shifting perceptions and aligning the building with modern business trends.
If the building’s name is outdated or unappealing, consider rebranding it with a new name that aligns with the type of businesses you want to attract.
Invest in professional branding services to create a cohesive brand image for the building.
This could include a logo, signage, and marketing materials.
Use social media, local media, and outdoor advertising to showcase the improvements made to the building. Offer potential tenants a tour of the upgraded space.

▪︎For personalized assistance with your property needs, contact Dennis Isong, a top Lagos realtor specializing in helping Nigerians in the diaspora own property stress-free.

Contact: +2348164741041

Related Topics:Building maintenance Building renovation

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Who was behind Peter Obi’s Assassination Attempt: Was it the APC or within ADC?

Odigie-Oyegun warned that the development could trigger chaos if not checked.“I am afraid that our leaders, both at the centre and in this state, are playing with fire. The consequences could be terrible, much more than any of you expect.

Published

36 minutes ago

February 25, 2026

OCHEFA

3 Views

Photo: John Odigie-Oyegun, and Peter Obi

Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kennedy Odion, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of having masterminded yesterday’s assassination attempt on Peter Obi Gregory, however, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, attributed the violence to an internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.

Peter Obi paid a courtesy visit to the former Governor of Edo State, John Odigie-Oyegun- the national Chairman of ADC, when they were attacked by gunmen at Oyegun’s residence in Benin City.

Odion, said : ” We heard APC was coming to attack us. We quickly cut short the event and ended the programme at the Secretariat.

A few minutes after we ended, we heard that thugs stormed the venue. They injured three people… After they scattered the place, they came to Oyegun’s house where we were having another meeting.

All the vehicles parked outside were destroyed…”, said Odion.

On the other hand, Adegbua emphasised : “The crisis has been ongoing. Even yesterday, we had to use the police to quell the crisis… What happened was just the height of it.”

On allegations that Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier warned Obi against visiting Edo without permission, Afegbua said: “If Peter Obi had informed the governor that he was coming, what happened today would not have happened. The governor would have provided security for him… Thank God nothing happened to Peter Obi.”

Commenting on the attack on his home, Oyegun, said: “We had a guest… the former governor of Anambra and one of the prominent leaders of the ADC, from all indications, an aspirant – former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata into the party,.

“The government here had threatened that if Obi came to Edo State without permission, his security could not be guaranteed.

He was paying a courtesy visit to me and bullets started raining all over the place… When did we degenerate to that kind of level?”

Obi said that no sooner than the leaders of the ADC party had received former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the LP Edo 2024 governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata into the party, than gunmen attacked the facility at Ogbelaka Street, Off Sokponba Road, Benin City, and the residence of the party’s National Leader, Odigie-Oyegun.

Obi, narrating his ordeal, declared: “It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever. What they allowed to happen in the country today will take its revenge on all of us and the country.”

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who arrived in an unmarked Sienna bus and on a motorcycle, fired several gunshots and vandalised party property, including chairs, canopies and banners. Some members reportedly sustained injuries.

Not satisfied, the assailants reportedly proceeded to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun on Reservation Road, where more gunshots were heard and vehicles parked near the gate were riddled with bullets. A video circulating online showed damaged vehicles and a gate perforated with bullet holes.

In the video, Obi said: “This is a former governor of the state(Odigie-Oyegun). You can see what happened in front of his house where hoodlums came, shooting.Look at the gate, see the bullet holes at the gate, several cars damaged. That is where our democracy has reached.”

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the attackers trailed the leaders from the secretariat.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun and shot at the gate, destroying several vehicles,” he said.

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What you need to know about Tunji Disu

Published

2 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Charles Flames

7 Views

Olatunji Rilwan Disu (commonly known as Tunji Disu) is a senior Nigerian police officer who was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force on February 24, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This followed the resignation of the previous IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family considerations. Disu’s appointment is acting pending formal review by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as required under the Police Act.

Early Life and Education

– Born: April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (currently 59 years old; he turns 60 in April 2026).

– Education: – Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU).

– Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (also from LASU).

– Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

– Master’s degree in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

– He completed primary education at schools like Mayflower Junior School (Ogun State) and secondary at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.

Professional Career

Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after training at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kaduna.

He has over 33 years of service, rising through various operational and leadership roles.

Key positions and achievements include:

– Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in multiple locations.

– Officer-in-Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) units.

– Leadership in anti-kidnapping squads and state Criminal Investigation Departments.

– Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he focused on urban crime reduction.

– Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for high-profile operations.

– Commissioner of Police in Rivers State (led operations against violent cult groups) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

– Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos (assumed this role around early 2026; promoted to AIG in March 2025).

– Specialized training in forensics, criminal intelligence, internet fraud (including at University of Cambridge), small arms smuggling (Botswana), and strategic leadership (Police Staff College, Jos).

He is recognized for intelligence-led policing, discipline, anti-corruption stance, and community-oriented approaches.

Personal Interests and Achievements

Disu is a decorated judoka (third dan black belt), having started practicing in 1986 during his time at LASU. He won multiple gold medals at national and police games, plus a silver at other competitions.

Recent Appointment Context

The appointment came amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. It has sparked discussions on seniority (bypassing some more senior officers like DIG Frank Mba), federal character, and timing (Disu is close to the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service).

Some view it as strategic for pre-2027 election security preparations, while others debate merit versus other factors. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s experience to provide steady leadership.

Overall, Tunji Disu is regarded as a seasoned, professional officer with a strong track record in field operations, investigations, and command roles. His tenure as acting IGP is expected to focus on enhancing police efficiency and addressing national security priorities.

News

BREAKING: President Tinubu Removes IGP Kayode Egbetokun as AIG

Published

20 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Charles Flames

13 Views

……Appoints AIG Tunji Disu as New Inspector-General of Police.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as his successor, multiple reliable sources confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The development followed a directive from President Tinubu asking Egbetokun to resign, reportedly during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

Egbetokun, who served as the 22nd IGP, had been in the position since his appointment by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, with confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023.

Sources within the presidency and the Nigeria Police Force indicated that preparations were underway for a formal handover ceremony from Egbetokun to Disu. An official announcement from the presidency was expected shortly.

Tunji Disu, who until recently served as the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, is set to become the 23rd Inspector-General of Police. Described by some reports as one of Nigeria’s finest contemporary officers, Disu is anticipated to receive swift confirmation from the Senate.

Egbetokun had been appointed at age 58 and was originally due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, though his tenure extended beyond that point.

The leadership change marks a significant shake-up in Nigeria’s security apparatus amid ongoing efforts to address policing challenges across the country.

Further details on the reasons for the removal and Disu’s priorities as the new IGP are yet to be officially disclosed.