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How to Improve the Outlook of an Old Building for Business Purposes in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
How to Improve the Outlook of an Old Building for Business Purposes in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
Sahara Weekly Reports That 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.
1. 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Outdated wiring or plumbing can be hazardous.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 Does it look old and outdated?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.
2. 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Outdated or damaged windows and doors can make a building look dilapidated.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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 mold 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.
7. 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
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
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