ICAN-UK awards Akinlade distinguished speaker

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, United Kingdom (ICAN-UK) District and Society has awarded the Group Managing Director, Halden McCall, Dr. Edward Akinlade Distinguished Speaker at its 11th International Conference in the United Kingdom.

The International Conference, themed: Crossborder Integration for Economic Resilience, was held recently in London, United Kingdom.

Speaking on his company’s project in Portnovo as a sub-theme in his chosen topic: Implications for Housing and Infrastructure in ECOWAS, Dr. Edward highlighted the challenges of language and legal barriers.

The GMD said there was building control issues, adding that the benin government controls the rent unlike in Lagos where landlords charge as they like.

“The Challenges faced on our Portnovo projects – We needed to speak French. However, Yoruba is a common language so half of language Barrier was resolved

“There was legal barrier to entry. None was put in our path as a Nigerian company developing in benin republic, maybe but not shown openly .

“There was building control issues. Consequently, we employed a local designer and sub builder and they handled all issues including planning permit .

“Banks and FX dealers were functioning over there but we had delays in one of our initial transfers when the bank transferred our money to the wrong account.

“It is important to note that Benin government controls rent. In the law of the republic of benin, maximum rent are stated unlike in Lagos where we can charge as we like.” He said.