The Lagos State Government has given traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja an 18 month deadline to relocate to a new permanent site at Katangowa, in the Agbado/Oke Odo Local Council Development Area.
This decision was announced by Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, during a stakeholders meeting with market leaders and traders.
According to Oki, the state government has provided necessary infrastructure and facilities at the Katangowa site to ensure a conducive business environment once the relocation takes effect. The new site spans 15 hectares of land and is strategically located near essential resources for businesses. “The state government has provided necessary infrastructure and facilities at the Katangowa site to ensure a conducive business environment once the relocation takes effect,” Oki said.
The government emphasized that the current location in Ikeja was originally a residential area, which over the years had been converted into a commercial hub without official government approval. The relocation plan, which was first proposed in 2006, had faced delays due to the slow pace of development work at Katangowa. However, with the infrastructure now in place, the government is seeking the cooperation of traders to ensure a smooth transition.
Chief Abisola Azeez, Iyaloja of Computer Village, urged traders to abide by the government’s directive and cooperate to ensure the relocation is completed within the stipulated timeframe. The new site is equipped with facilities such as a police post, hotels, and easy access to the Bus Rapid Transit terminal. “The government has provided necessary infrastructure and facilities at the Katangowa site to ensure a conducive business environment,” Azeez noted.
The Lagos State Government’s initiative aims to promote a structured market environment that supports growth while addressing environmental and urban planning concerns. The stakeholders meeting aimed to inform and involve traders in the relocation process, highlighting the benefits of the new site.
The government’s decision to relocate the Computer Village traders is part of its efforts to ensure inclusive governance and citizen welfare. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that the relocation is successful and that the new site becomes a hub for business and economic growth.
The 18 month deadline gives traders sufficient time to plan and execute their relocation to the new site. With the infrastructure in place, the government is confident that the relocation will be a success and that the new site will become a thriving business hub.