…Shop owners fear losing customers as trust deficit haunts relocation plan
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that Computer Village will be relocated from Ikeja to the long-delayed ICT and Business Park in Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, insisting that the move is “no longer negotiable.
”First announced more than a decade ago, the relocation has faced repeated delays. But officials now say the plan is central to restoring Ikeja’s residential purpose while creating a modern hub for Africa’s largest technology market.
An official at the latest stakeholders’ meeting explained: “The relocation is not about punishing traders; it is about putting commerce in a space built for commerce. Ikeja must return to its residential purpose, while Katangowa becomes the new hub for ICT.”
According to the state blueprint, the Katangowa ICT and Business Park will include digital infrastructure, modern access roads, car parks, banks, hotels, a police post, fire service, and co-working centres—facilities officials tout as the makings of a future “Silicon Valley of West Africa.”
On the ground in Ikeja, traders remain divided. Mr. Chidi Okafor, who sells smartphones and accessories, fears customers may not follow.
“People come here because Computer Village is central. Katangowa is far. If customers don’t want to go that far, especially from Victoria Island or outside Lagos, my business may die,” he said.
However, some traders see opportunities. Mr. Kehinde Balogun, a laptop repairer, welcomed the idea if infrastructure is delivered.
“If the new site has steady power and better space, I support it. Right now, we spend too much on fuel and face harassment from touts daily. But government must actually deliver, not just talk again.”
Others remain sceptical. Mr. Femi, who has run a software installation shop in Ikeja for 12 years, expressed doubt, citing years of failed promises.
A government source revealed that infrastructure rollout at Katangowa will begin later this year, with businesses expected to move in phases between late 2025 and 2026. However, no fixed shutdown date has been set for Computer Village in Ikeja.