Oando opens doors of energy efficient complex in Lagos
New office space, the Wings Office Complex of Oando Plc, located on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island in Lagos was Tuesday commissioned, four years after foundation laying ceremony.
Two South African companies, RMB Westport and Redefine Properties put equity in the project.
Besides RMB Westport and Redefine, the company said it received financing from local and international banks specifically RMB Bank and Standard Bank in South Africa and Stanbic IBTC in Nigeria to create this world-class office building that encompasses panoramic views of Lagos from every floor.
The structure also boasts of 24-hour power, central cooling with noise minimizing building acoustics and external cladding designed to limit direct solar gain.
The Wings Office Complex houses top brands such as Ericsson and RMB Bank and Oando employees.
It was built with the intention of accommodating Oando’s Lagos-based staff, to finally relinquish leased space in Lagos.
The Wings Office Complex consists of two 12-story buildings – 27,000m2 of lettable office space, an in-built 3-floor car park, 4 high-speed 12 person passenger lifts per tower, retail space and a waterfront patio.
The building was built by Cappa D’Alberto, one of the oldest building and civil engineering firms in Nigeria and the name behind notable buildings such as The Civic Centre, GT Bank Head Office, Mobil House and Citibank Head Office.
The structure offers a world-class indoor event space, a one-of-a-kind space that can hold up to 300 people, with floor to ceiling windows which provide a scenic view of the waterfront and allows maximum natural daylight.
The Wings also has an outdoor waterfront area with a hosting capacity of 200 people and overlooks Lagos State’s waterway.
Oando said it followed international and the more progressive model for office buildings by incorporating space for amenities such as restaurants and retail outlets.
It is also one of very prime locations in Lagos with waterway accessibility giving its inhabitants and guests a fuller experience during their time on the premises.
It is a smart and energy efficient building that regulates its internal temperate to acclimatize with the temperature outside.
It also uses energy efficient and smart lighting systems with occupancy and daylight sensors to make sure office lights are only ever on when they are needed; specifically when occupants are in a room and sunlight is diminishing.
The minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachickwu who commissioned the building commended the company’s efforts, saying Oando has shown uniqueness as a Nigerian oil company.
He said the building has been developed using water, sand, cement, bricks, steel, concrete, wood and glass, all are elements attributable to transparency and strength.
‘’The future is very demanding, I urge you to continue to inspire and be creative in the solutions that you proffer in your sector and for the nation,”he added.
Speaking at the commissioning event, Wale Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc said: “At Oando, passion is not only one of our core values, it drives our ambitions.
“The idea for the Wings Office Complex was conceived in 2009 and the build kick-started in 2013.
“At the time it seemed a lofty dream; both in terms of size and the type of structure we envisaged.
“We commenced the construction of Wings at a time when the price of oil was around $100; despite the 2014 crash in oil prices to $23 per barrel, the 60 percent devaluation of the naira and the 13-month long economic recession, we pushed on.
“Today the two towers stand tall as testament to indigenous companies like Oando who continue to lead and set the standard for excellence.
“The project signifies the end to a series of capital projects that we have pioneered, invested in and built.”
Funso Akere, CEO Stanbic IBTC Capital representing the CEO for Stanbic IBTC said: “Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc together with Standard Bank of South Africa is proud to have supported the completion of this landmark real estate project in Nigeria, which would catalyze the development of similar ground-breaking real estate projects and serve as a benchmark for investment grade office buildings in Nigeria.”
He said it will also enhance the economic landscape and support the creation of world class business infrastructural development drive of the Lagos State Government.”
