Lagos State has given Computer Village traders 18 months to relocate from Ikeja to Katangowa, with new facilities ready at the site
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, during a stakeholders’ meeting with market leaders and traders on Tuesday.
Also read: Lagos begins Computer Village relocation to Katangowa
“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,” Oki said.
According to him, the new site at Katangowa has been equipped with necessary facilities to make trading more conducive.
He explained that the current Ikeja site was originally a residential area, which over the years had been converted into a commercial hub without government approval.
Oki added that the relocation plan dates back to 2006 but had suffered multiple delays due to the slow pace of development work.
He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to inclusiveness and ensuring that traders are properly carried along.
“The governor is passionate about the development of Lagos. Katangowa has been chosen as the permanent home for this market, covering 15 hectares of land with access to essential materials and infrastructure.
We want to work with you to plan this relocation together,” Oki noted.
Project Coordinator Olayinka Bello said the new location will include modern facilities such as a police post, hotels, and direct access to the BRT terminal for easier commuting.
Supporting the move, the Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief Abisola Azeez, reminded traders that the decision to relocate was first agreed in 2006 with then governor, Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.
She urged traders to comply with the 18-month timeline.
Also read: Lagos govt officially introduces Katangowa ICT Market, activates Computer Village gradual kill-off
The relocation, when completed, is expected to reduce congestion in Ikeja and provide a more organised trading environment for the thriving ICT market.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
