The Lagos State Government has introduced a flexible payment plan to assist traders in the relocation of the popular Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo.
The initiative, announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Alausa, Ikeja, is part of the state’s renewed efforts to actualise the long-awaited transition of Africa’s largest ICT market to a modern, purpose-built complex.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to completing the project and resolving the challenges that have delayed relocation for years.
“The government is ready to deliver a 15-hectare world-class market site at Katangowa, complete with essential facilities such as trailer parks, banks, hotels, a police station, and a fire station.
He explained that the existing Computer Village site, originally designated as a residential area, has become congested and overstretched, displacing residents and creating infrastructural strain.
The project developer, Mr. Sam Ajose, assured that the flexible payment plan was designed to make the transition affordable for traders.
“This plan ensures every trader can key into the relocation project without financial distress,” Ajose stated, adding that transparency and cooperation among stakeholders would drive the project’s success.
Reacting to the development, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, the Iya Oloja of Computer Village, expressed satisfaction with the new arrangement and urged the developer to stick to the approved project timeline.
“All my initial concerns have been addressed. I believe this relocation will transform Computer Village into a more secure and organised marketplace,” she said.
Earlier in the year, market leaders launched a biometric registration exercise to sanitise operations and strengthen security within the marketplace.
Azeez said the initiative was part of a broader rebranding effort to curb issues such as phone theft, fraudulent technicians, and counterfeit product sales.
She revealed that the exercise followed a security incident that nearly led to the market’s closure by the Lagos State Task Force, adding that prompt intervention by the leadership helped avert the shutdown.
Under new market regulations, only registered vendors with identification cards will be permitted to trade. Approved street displays will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while the use of wooden stalls and open flames will be banned to prevent fire hazards.
