Lagos holds talks with Computer Village traders as relocation to Katangowa ICT and Business Park begins under urban renewal strategy

Computer Village relocation Lagos efforts officially commenced as the state government held a stakeholder engagement meeting on Monday with traders at the popular electronics hub in Ikeja.

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The meeting, convened at the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring buy-in from market stakeholders ahead of the planned relocation to the newly built ICT and Business Park in Katangowa, Agbado-Oke Odo.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, led the government’s delegation, noting that this was the first direct engagement with traders in 15 years on the issue.

“It shows the governor’s commitment to openness and stakeholder engagement,” Oki said.

The Computer Village relocation Lagos project forms part of a wider urban renewal and decentralisation strategy, intended to decongest commercial hubs, improve infrastructure, and promote more sustainable living conditions across the city.

The Katangowa ICT and Business Park is said to be fully equipped with modern infrastructure, including hotels, banking halls, car parks, recreation centres, fire and police stations, and well-planned access roads.

According to Oki, the relocation will optimise business operations and restore Ikeja’s original residential character, which has been heavily compromised by decades of unregulated commercial expansion.

He also appealed to traders to cease roadside trading and support the state’s wider urban development goals.

Presentations were made by urban planning officials to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of the move.

The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief (Mrs) Abisola Azeez, expressed support for the initiative, stating that the Katangowa site would offer a more conducive trading environment and greater growth potential.

Other officials present included Oladimeji Animashaun, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency; Florence Gbaye, Coordinating Director at the Lagos State Building Control Agency; and Mr Segun Williams, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development.

The engagement marks a renewed push to relocate Computer Village after years of stalled efforts due to resistance from stakeholders, lack of infrastructure at alternative sites, and political concerns.

Computer Village has grown to become a major tech hub in West Africa, but its uncontrolled expansion has led to challenges such as traffic gridlock, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and strain on public utilities in Ikeja.

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The Computer Village relocation Lagos project now aims to balance economic growth with urban sustainability—a goal Sanwo-Olu’s administration says is central to its development blueprint.

Source: Read more at thecable.ng