Rebar Perfecta Leverages Sports to Rebuild Corporate Culture

The traditional workplace hierarchy is evolving, as individual efforts in office cubicles give way to group-centric models.

Across Nigeria, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting new approaches to rebuild resilience and strengthen internal collaboration.

A report by recruitment platform Indeed notes that leaders across sectors are prioritising teamwork structures to improve processes and build healthier organisations. At Rebar Perfecta Limited, a Lagos-based construction and logistics firm, this shift is taking place beyond the office environment and onto the football pitch.

The company recently hosted its fourth annual End-of-Year Games, an initiative designed to reset workplace relationships through football, aerobics and fitness competitions, while reinforcing a culture of unity and shared purpose.

“On the pitch, there is no boss and no subordinate,” said Gbenga Adigun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rebar Perfecta. “Everybody plays as equals. That mindset follows us back to the office, allowing for easier access to reporting lines and better collaboration.”

Founded 13 years ago, Rebar Perfecta operates in the demanding sectors of dredging, land reclamation and marine logistics. With a workforce of over 200 employees and operations spanning multiple construction sites and a large fleet of dump trucks across Lagos, sustaining a cohesive corporate culture remains central to the company’s operations.

Beyond recreation, the games symbolise resilience and renewal. Adigun disclosed that despite now generating millions of dollars in revenue, the company has shut down operations four times in its history. “Each time we shut down, we went home never thinking we were coming back,” he said. “It’s part of the ups and downs. I missed two penalties on the pitch today, but you stay out there hoping for another chance. That is business.”

This year’s event also marked a shift toward deeper family inclusion. In response to feedback from previous editions, Rebar Perfecta introduced games and activities specifically for spouses and children, recognising their role in employee wellbeing.

Tommy Elijah, Project Manager for Reclamation, said seeing the CEO compete alongside junior staff created a rare sense of unity. Francis Joseph, a fleet pilot, echoed this sentiment, noting that such proximity to leadership is uncommon in Nigeria’s industrial sector. “It united us,” he said. “Everyone feels happy and included.”

Families welcomed the initiative as well. Loveth Abbas, whose husband works at the company, said involving spouses and children made a significant difference. “My children enjoyed themselves,” she said. “Companies don’t usually involve families like this.”

The event also reflected Rebar Perfecta’s expansion beyond construction through its technology subsidiary, Scrella, an insurtech platform aimed at democratising gadget insurance in Nigeria. Scrella offers smartphone insurance starting from ₦3,500, reducing barriers to coverage for everyday users.

“We are using technology to remove the stress from traditional insurance,” said Aransiola Florence, Customer Experience Manager at Scrella. “It’s about making sure people feel supported when life happens.”

As Rebar Perfecta rounds off its most successful financial year to date, the company describes the End-of-Year Games as a strategic investment in human capital. In an economy where many businesses struggle to stay afloat, the company believes that teams that play together are better equipped to rebuild, adapt and grow together.