Haldane McCall’s Akinlade Seeks Policy, Investment Boost For Real Estate, Hospitality
Nigeria needs lower-cost financing, better infrastructure and simpler land and tax policies to unlock investment in its real estate and hospitality sectors, according to Dr Edward Akinlade, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Haldane McCall Plc.
Akinlade said high construction and operating costs, elevated interest rates, infrastructure deficits and land administration bottlenecks are limiting developers’ ability to expand housing supply and attract private capital.
“The challenges are significant and interconnected,” Akinlade said. He called for improved access to long-term financing, faster land-title registration and greater policy stability, particularly in taxation and planning regulations.
He also urged government to expand roads, electricity and water infrastructure and strengthen public-private partnerships to enable developers to build at scale.
The hospitality industry faces similar pressures, with high energy costs, expensive financing, weaker consumer spending and infrastructure constraints affecting profitability, Akinlade said. He called for targeted incentives, improved tourism infrastructure, better transportation and security, and reduced regulatory and tax burdens.
Akinlade stated further that Haldane McCall’s strategy is focused on expanding its development pipeline while maintaining shareholder returns.
“ The company has commenced plans for Phases 2 and 3 of its Mile 12 project in Lagos, comprising 64 two-bedroom apartments, following the completion and sale of the earlier phase. It has also completed a joint venture agreement to develop 32 three-bedroom apartments at Olateju Street, Olorushogo, Lagos.
“ The projects will strengthen the company’s revenue pipeline while allowing it to deploy capital more efficiently. Haldane McCall also paid its 2025 dividend, a fulfilment of a commitment made before the company’s listing.
“Our objective is to create a healthy balance between immediate value distribution and reinvestment in projects that can generate future revenue and profitability,” he said.
Akinlade explained the company would focus on scaling its project pipeline, pursuing strategic partnerships and maintaining disciplined capital allocation as it seeks to build a more diversified and consistently value-creating real estate group.
