The Lagos State Government has unveiled a flexible payment plan to facilitate the long-awaited relocation of Computer Village from its current site in Ikeja to the new ICT hub at Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo.
The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on traders and ensuring a smooth transition to the modernized market. During a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alausa, Ikeja, government officials reassured traders of their commitment to completing the relocation project in a structured and timely manner.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, highlighted that the current Computer Village site, originally designated for residential purposes, has become overstretched due to unplanned growth. He noted that the congestion has caused significant strain on local infrastructure and displaced residents. According to Oki, the new 15-hectare site at Katangowa is equipped with modern amenities including trailer parks, hotels, banks, a police station, and a fire station, all designed to meet international standards.
Mr. Sam Ajose, the project developer, emphasized that the flexible payment plan is designed to accommodate traders with varying financial capacities. He assured that the scheme would allow all stakeholders to participate in the relocation without facing undue hardship. Ajose also called for transparency and cooperation among traders, market leaders, and government officials to ensure the successful completion of the move.
Mrs. Abisola Azeez, Iya Oloja (market leader) of Computer Village, expressed her satisfaction with the government’s initiative. She commended the authorities for addressing the concerns of traders and urged the developers to adhere strictly to the approved project timelines. Azeez noted that the relocation would transform Computer Village into a more secure, organized, and functional marketplace for technology trade.
In preparation for the move, the market leadership had earlier carried out a biometric registration and enumeration exercise. This rebranding effort was aimed at sanitizing market operations, improving security, and curbing issues such as phone theft, fraudulent repairs, and counterfeit product sales. Under the new guidelines, only registered vendors with identification cards will be allowed to trade, and street displays will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, with wooden stalls and open flames prohibited to enhance safety.
The relocation to Katangowa, coupled with the flexible payment plan and ongoing rebranding measures, marks a new era for Computer Village. The Lagos State Government believes that the move will provide traders with a more conducive business environment equipped with modern facilities and improved infrastructure. Authorities remain committed to ensuring that the new ICT hub sets a benchmark for technology markets across Nigeria, balancing growth, security, and convenience for all stakeholders.
