By: Nic Abelian
Across rapidly urbanizing regions, infrastructure often rises with impressive speed and ambition, but it may not always perform as expected once operational. A telling example can be found in a newly constructed hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, where energy costs reportedly increased by over 30 percent within six months of opening. The problem was not faulty equipment or unexpected demand but rather an omission in the process. The building’s advanced mechanical and control systems were not properly commissioned. Without the critical step of systematic testing and calibration, the facility began operating inefficiently from the outset, revealing a common flaw in the way infrastructure is delivered across many emerging markets.
According to Akpevwe Erhieyovwe, a United States-based commissioning and sustainability expert with professional experience spanning North America and West Africa, such oversights may reflect a wider systemic deficiency. With an academic background in physics and geoscience, Akpevwe brings a systems-oriented perspective to infrastructure performance, combining engineering diagnostics with broader sustainability objectives. His practice focuses on adapting globally established commissioning methodologies—including those developed by ASHRAE—to the realities and resource constraints of developing economies.
In more mature markets such as the United States, commissioning is often an essential part of project delivery. It is a structured process implemented across the lifecycle of a project to verify that mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and digital systems perform according to design intent. Commissioning helps make sure operational readiness before occupancy, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency. In contrast, infrastructure projects in many developing regions either omit this step entirely or treat it as an optional service. The consequence is a persistent gap in performance. Facilities may be architecturally complete but functionally less efficient.
This gap, according to Akpevwe, often manifests in predictable ways. Inflated energy consumption, premature equipment failure, discomfort for occupants, and reactive maintenance cycles can increase operational costs. In environments where electricity supply is unstable and maintenance budgets are often constrained, these inefficiencies can become problematic. Without commissioning, infrastructure assets may underperform for years before defects are detected. By that point, remediation may be significantly more costly and disruptive.
Drawing on his experience in the United States, Akpevwe points to cases that illustrate the preventive potential of commissioning. In one instance, his team uncovered a critical flaw in the automation logic of a high-performance research facility. If left unresolved, it could have compromised energy efficiency and the experience of the facility’s occupants. Because the issue was identified and addressed prior to handover, the facility launched with optimal functionality and avoided costly retrofits. As Akpevwe notes, this highlights the value of commissioning. It is not merely about inspection but about de-risking, optimizing, and preserving investment.
Contrary to some perceptions, commissioning need not be prohibitively expensive or technologically complex. Akpevwe emphasizes that even modest but systematic approaches—such as checklists, equipment testing, and staff training—can yield significant improvements. Scalable frameworks already exist. The real challenge, he argues, lies not in technical feasibility but in shifting cultural perceptions. Reframing commissioning as a crucial safeguard rather than a luxury is the first step toward meaningful change.
The advantages extend well beyond immediate operational performance. According to Akpevwe, commissioning helps reduce construction delays, minimize change orders, and increase satisfaction among owners and end users. It provides facility managers with actionable data, allowing them to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management. For investors and public-sector stakeholders, commissioning offers a measurable way to improve infrastructure reliability, efficiency, and resilience.
Institutionalizing commissioning, however, requires more than policy mandates. Akpevwe advocates for the development of local capacity as a cornerstone of sustainable implementation. This includes creating regional training programs, mentorship pipelines, and context-sensitive professional standards. Through collaborative education initiatives and international partnerships, Akpevwe has been actively involved in building a growing cadre of commissioning professionals in West Africa and beyond. He champions a model of change led by local expertise rather than externally imposed solutions.
The broader implications are significant. Whether in healthcare, education, transportation, or public administration, embedding commissioning as standard practice can help reduce environmental impact, extend the life of infrastructure assets, and elevate the quality of essential services. As cities across Africa and the Global South continue to grow, making sure that infrastructure not only exists but performs as intended is an urgent priority from both economic and ethical standpoints.
According to Akpevwe, emerging economies can no longer afford infrastructure that underperforms from day one. The path forward is clear: commissioning must be integrated into the foundation of infrastructure development, planned strategically, implemented cost-effectively, and driven by local leadership.
To achieve this, action must come from all quarters. Performance verification should be established as a core requirement for all infrastructure projects. Investment in human capital must prioritize the cultivation of skilled local commissioning professionals. Policymakers, developers, and financial institutions must work together toward a shared vision of infrastructure that is not only built but built to last.
Ultimately, as Akpevwe asserts, the difference between infrastructure that merely stands and infrastructure that endures hinges on one critical principle: verification.
For more information, visit Field Logic Technologies.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional consultation for specific advice regarding commissioning and infrastructure development. All claims regarding the effectiveness of commissioning are based on available data and case studies, but results may vary depending on specific project conditions.
