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In a significant development that has sent ripples through one of Nigeria’s most vibrant commercial hubs, the Lagos State Government has issued an 18-month deadline for traders at the renowned Computer Village in Ikeja to relocate to a newly designated market site at Katangowa in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area. The announcement, which marks a pivotal moment in the state’s urban planning and economic restructuring efforts, was made by Gbolahan Oki, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, during a stakeholders’ meeting with traders and their representatives on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The directive underscores the government’s resolve to decongest Ikeja, enhance urban order, and provide a more suitable environment for the thriving tech and electronics market.
Background: The Evolution of Computer Village
Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, is a bustling marketplace widely regarded as West Africa’s largest technology market. It is a vibrant ecosystem where traders, technicians, and entrepreneurs converge to buy, sell, and repair electronics, ranging from mobile phones and computers to accessories and software solutions. The market has grown organically over the years, transforming from a modest trading area into a sprawling commercial nerve center that attracts customers from across Nigeria and beyond.
However, this growth has come with significant challenges. Originally zoned as a residential area, Computer Village’s transformation into a commercial hub occurred without formal government approval, leading to issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure. The chaotic environment, characterized by makeshift stalls, heavy pedestrian traffic, and unregulated activities, has long been a concern for urban planners and residents alike. The Lagos State Government’s decision to relocate the market to Katangowa is part of a broader strategy to address these challenges, restore order to Ikeja, and create a more conducive trading environment for the traders.
The Katangowa Relocation Plan: A Long-Awaited Initiative
The relocation of Computer Village to Katangowa is not a new concept. First proposed in 2006, the plan has faced numerous delays due to logistical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and resistance from traders wary of the move’s impact on their businesses. Over the years, the state government has worked to address these concerns, investing in the development of the Katangowa site to ensure it meets the needs of the traders and aligns with modern market standards.
According to Gbolahan Oki, the Katangowa site spans 15 hectares and has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the traders’ businesses. These include modern market stalls, reliable electricity, good road networks, adequate parking spaces, and other essential amenities. The site’s strategic location in Agbado/Oke-Odo was chosen for its proximity to key supply chains and materials critical to the traders’ operations, ensuring that the relocation does not disrupt their access to resources.
“The Katangowa site has been fully prepared with the necessary facilities to make it conducive for business,” Oki stated during the stakeholders’ meeting. “The government has invested significantly in this project to ensure that it meets the needs of the traders and provides a better environment for their businesses to thrive.”
The 18-Month Deadline: A Call to Action
The 18-month deadline issued by the Lagos State Government signals a renewed sense of urgency to actualize the relocation plan. Oki emphasized the importance of cooperation from the traders, urging them to work with the government to ensure a smooth transition. “The government wants your cooperation to ensure the relocation comes to pass. The time is now. We have to make the project a reality,” he said.
The announcement comes at a time when Lagos is undergoing rapid urban transformation under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Known for his commitment to infrastructure development and inclusive governance, Sanwo-Olu has prioritized projects that enhance the state’s economic competitiveness while improving the quality of life for its residents. The relocation of Computer Village is seen as a critical component of this vision, as it aims to decongest Ikeja, reduce environmental strain, and create a more organized and sustainable market structure.
Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusive Governance
The stakeholders’ meeting held on September 23 was a deliberate effort to involve the traders in the decision-making process, reflecting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s inclusive governance style. Oki noted that the meeting was convened to ensure that the traders are fully informed about the relocation and have the opportunity to voice their concerns. “The governor is passionate about infrastructure development and wants you to be aware of the relocation,” he said. “We are here to carry you along in line with the governor’s commitment to citizens’ welfare.”
This approach is significant, as previous attempts to relocate Computer Village were met with resistance from traders who feared the move would disrupt their livelihoods. Many traders have expressed concerns about the potential loss of customers, increased transportation costs, and the challenges of adapting to a new location. By engaging directly with the traders and their executives, the government hopes to address these concerns and build consensus around the relocation.
The Case for Relocation: Addressing Urban Challenges
The decision to relocate Computer Village is driven by a combination of urban planning imperatives and economic considerations. Ikeja, as one of Lagos’s most prominent commercial districts, has been grappling with the challenges of rapid urbanization. The concentration of commercial activities in Computer Village has led to severe traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians and motorists navigating the area.
Moreover, the current location’s residential zoning has created conflicts between traders and residents, who have long complained about noise pollution, overcrowding, and the lack of proper infrastructure. The government argues that relocating the market to Katangowa will not only resolve these issues but also create opportunities for urban renewal in Ikeja. The freed-up space could be repurposed for residential or mixed-use development, aligning with the state’s broader urban planning goals.
From an economic perspective, the relocation is expected to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Computer Village. The Katangowa site offers a more structured and modern market environment, with facilities designed to support the traders’ operations. This includes better access to utilities, improved security, and a layout that facilitates easier navigation for customers. By addressing the infrastructural limitations of the current location, the government aims to position Computer Village as a world-class technology market capable of competing on a global scale.
Challenges and Concerns: The Traders’ Perspective
While the government’s vision for the relocation is ambitious, it is not without challenges. For many traders, Computer Village is more than just a marketplace—it is a community and a way of life. The market’s central location in Ikeja has made it easily accessible to customers from across Lagos and neighboring states, contributing to its commercial success. Relocating to Katangowa, which is farther from the city center, raises concerns about accessibility and customer retention.
Transportation costs are another major concern. Many traders rely on the proximity of Computer Village to major transport hubs in Ikeja, which allows them to move goods efficiently. The move to Katangowa could increase logistics costs, particularly for small-scale traders with limited resources. Additionally, the transition period is likely to involve significant disruptions, as traders will need to establish new supply chains, adapt to the new market environment, and rebuild their customer base.
To address these concerns, the government has promised to provide support during the transition. This includes facilitating access to financing, offering training programs to help traders adapt to the new environment, and implementing measures to ensure the Katangowa site is well-integrated into Lagos’s transportation network. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective communication and collaboration between the government and the traders.
The Broader Context: Lagos’s Urban Transformation
The relocation of Computer Village is part of a larger effort by the Lagos State Government to transform the state into a smart, sustainable, and economically vibrant megacity. Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Lagos has seen significant investments in infrastructure, including road networks, public transportation, and urban renewal projects. The relocation aligns with the state’s THEMES agenda, which prioritizes Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance.
By decongesting Ikeja and creating a modern market at Katangowa, the government aims to enhance the state’s economic competitiveness while improving the quality of life for its residents. The relocation is also expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities in the Agbado/Oke-Odo area. The development of the Katangowa site is likely to attract ancillary businesses, such as logistics companies, food vendors, and service providers, further boosting economic activity in the region.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Relocation
As the 18-month deadline approaches, the Lagos State Government faces the challenge of executing the relocation plan with minimal disruption to the traders and their customers. The success of the initiative will depend on several factors, including the government’s ability to address the traders’ concerns, ensure the Katangowa site is fully operational, and maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders.
For the traders, the relocation presents both challenges and opportunities. While the move may require significant adjustments, it also offers the chance to operate in a more modern and efficient market environment. The government’s commitment to providing support during the transition is a positive step, but its effectiveness will depend on the quality of implementation.
In the broader context, the relocation of Computer Village is a testament to Lagos’s ambition to balance economic growth with urban sustainability. By addressing the challenges of unplanned urbanization and creating a more organized market structure, the government is laying the foundation for a more resilient and competitive economy. As the deadline looms, all eyes will be on Lagos to see how this ambitious project unfolds and whether it can serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Government’s decision to relocate Computer Village to Katangowa is a bold and forward-thinking move aimed at addressing longstanding urban challenges while fostering economic growth. The 18-month deadline underscores the urgency of the initiative, and the government’s engagement with stakeholders reflects a commitment to inclusive governance. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing the traders’ concerns, the relocation has the potential to transform Computer Village into a modern, world-class technology market. As Lagos continues its journey toward becoming a 21st-century megacity, the successful execution of this project will be a critical milestone in its urban and economic transformation.
