Lagos State Government, working with the developer overseeing the move of Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo, has unveiled a flexible payment plan to make the relocation smoother for traders.
Gatekeepers News reports that the announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Alausa, Ikeja, where officials confirmed that the long-awaited relocation would soon take place. In September, traders were given an 18-month timeline to move to the new Katangowa site.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, emphasised that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is determined to complete the project and end years of stalled efforts.
He said, “The current site, originally a residential area, has been adversely affected by unplanned development, displacing many residents.”
Oki added that, in line with the governor’s vision for sustainable urban development, the new 15-hectare site at Katangowa will be built to international standards, featuring essential facilities such as trailer parks, hotels, banks, a police station, a fire station, and other community amenities. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the developer for a smooth and orderly transition.
Project developer Sam Ajose assured traders that the flexible payment plan is designed to ease their move. Responding, the Iya Oloja of Computer Village, Abisola Azeez, expressed satisfaction, noting that her earlier concerns had been addressed.
She said, “All my fears have been allayed. I urge the developer to adhere strictly to design specifications and timelines so that the relocation can be completed successfully.”
Earlier this year, the market leadership conducted biometric registration and enumeration to sanitise the market, enhance security, and restore investor confidence.
Azeez noted that the exercise, part of a broader rebranding initiative, targets issues like phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and the sale of substandard goods. It followed a recent security incident that almost prompted a full market shutdown, which the leadership intervened to prevent.
Under the new regulations, only registered vendors displaying their ID cards at their stalls will be allowed to operate. Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames will be prohibited to reduce fire risks.
