The Lagos State Government has unveiled a flexible payment scheme to ease the relocation of traders from the overcrowded Ikeja Computer Village to a new, purpose-built ICT complex in Katangowa, Agbado-Oke-Odo.
The initiative, announced during a stakeholders’ meeting at Alausa, underscored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to delivering a world-class, 15-hectare technology market with modern amenities including trailer parks, banks, hotels, a police station, and a fire station.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, highlighted that the existing Ikeja market, originally a residential area, has become overstretched, creating infrastructural strain and displacing residents.
“The move is inevitable if the market is to evolve into a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable business district,” he said.
Project developer Sam Ajose explained that the flexible payment plan is designed to ensure all traders can participate without financial hardship.
“Transparency and cooperation among stakeholders will be the foundation of its success,” he added.
Reacting to the plan, Iya Oloja of Computer Village, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, expressed satisfaction and urged strict adherence to the project timeline.
She also highlighted ongoing reforms, including a biometric registration exercise, aimed at curbing phone theft, fraudulent repairs, and counterfeit sales.
Under the new operational rules, only registered vendors with ID cards can trade.
Street displays will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden stalls and open flames will be prohibited to enhance safety.
The relocation and rebranding efforts are expected to transform Computer Village into a more secure, organised, and globally competitive technology hub.
