Lagos Govt Engages Computer Village Traders on Long-Awaited Relocation to Katangowa
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State Government has opened fresh consultations with stakeholders of the popular Computer Village, Ikeja, as part of renewed efforts to relocate the market to the planned ICT and Business Park at Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo.
At a stakeholder engagement held on Monday at Otigba Street, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, said the meeting was convened on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure inclusivity and transparency in the relocation process.
“This is the first time since the commencement of the exercise some 15 years ago that such a meeting is being held right in your market,” Oki said, stressing that the relocation plan is designed to benefit both traders and the government.
He explained that the new ICT and Business Park would feature modern facilities including hotels, a banking hall, recreation centre, car parks, fire station, police post, and access roads. According to him, relocating the market from Ikeja — which has lost its original residential character due to rapid commercial growth — would enhance business operations in a more structured and serene environment.
Oki urged traders to cooperate with the government to ensure a seamless transition, while calling on them to desist from street trading, road obstruction, and indiscriminate display of goods.
The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief (Mrs.) Abisola Azeez, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the initiative, noting that the relocation would enhance the market’s potential and provide a more conducive environment for business.
Other officials at the meeting included the Director of Urban Development, Tpl. Olalekan Odujebe; Tpl. Olayinka Bello; General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Tpl. Oladimeji Animashaun; Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Builder Florence Gbaye; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Segun Williams, alongside executives of the Computer Village Market Association.
