The Lagos State Government has announced an 18-month deadline for traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja to relocate to a new site at Katangowa, Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
This was disclosed in a Tuesday statement by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held with the traders and their executives at the market.
According to Oki, “The government wants your cooperation to ensure the relocation comes to pass. The time is now. We have to make the project a reality. The relocation period is 18 months.”
He explained that the state government had already provided the necessary facilities at the new location to make it conducive for business operations. Oki stressed that the present site in Ikeja was originally a residential area, which over the years had been converted into a commercial hub without official government approval.
Computer Village Relocation Backed by Infrastructure Plans and Stakeholder Engagement
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the relocation plan, which dates back to 2006, had been delayed due to the slow pace of development work at Katangowa. However, he said the stakeholders’ meeting was aimed at carrying the traders along in the government’s plans, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu places a high priority on inclusiveness and the welfare of Lagos residents.
“The governor is passionate about the development of the infrastructure of Lagos State, and he wants all of you to be aware of the relocation. Katangowa is a place chosen for everything relating to this market. It’s 15 hectares of land. It is near all the materials you need for your business,” Oki said.
He added, “The present location used to be a residential area and so many things are attached to this place. Where the government is taking you is well laid out and we want all of you to know what the relocation is all about. We want to work with you and plan the relocation together. Everyone wants change but there are things that will affect us if we are going to experience that change.”
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Olayinka Bello, revealed that the new market had been designed with modern infrastructure, including a police post, hotels, and easy access to a nearby BRT terminal to enhance movement and security.
On her part, the Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief Abisola Azeez, recalled that the market executives had reached an agreement in 2006 with the then governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, now President, to relocate the market to Katangowa. She urged the traders to abide by the state government’s directive and cooperate to ensure the relocation is completed within the stipulated 18 months.
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