The Lagos State Government has renewed consultations with traders of the popular Computer Village, Ikeja, as part of efforts to relocate the bustling market to the planned ICT and business hub in Katangowa, Agbado-Oke Odo.
EpeInsights gathered that at a stakeholder meeting held on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said the decision was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the relocation process.
“This is the first time in 15 years that the government is holding this kind of meeting directly with you in your market. It underscores the governor’s commitment to openness and collaboration,” Oki told the traders.
According to him, the new Katangowa ICT and Business Park will feature modern facilities such as hotels, banks, recreational centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post and well-structured road networks to provide a safer and more organised trading environment.
Oki added that Ikeja, originally designed as a residential area, had been overstretched by rapid business expansion, making relocation necessary. He urged traders to embrace the plan and to desist from trading on streets, setbacks, and drainages in Ikeja.
During the meeting, officials from the Urban Development Department delivered a presentation detailing the benefits of the proposed relocation.
The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, commended the initiative, describing it as a welcome development that would expand the market’s opportunities and improve customer experience.
Other government officials present included the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun; Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs. Florence Gbaye; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Segun Williams. Executive members of the market association were also in attendance.
The relocation of Computer Village, Nigeria’s largest technology market, has been on the agenda of successive administrations for nearly two decades. Monday’s engagement signals a fresh push by the Sanwo-Olu administration to finally deliver on the long-standing plan.
