The leadership of the Ikeja Computer Village in Lagos has launched a biometric registration and enumeration exercise aimed at sanitising the market, curbing criminal activities, and restoring investor confidence.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Iyaloja (leader of the market women), Mrs. Abisola Azeez, said the initiative is part of a broader rebranding strategy to tackle issues such as phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and the sale of substandard goods.
Azeez revealed that the decision followed a recent security incident that prompted the Lagos State Task Force to consider a complete shutdown of the market. She noted that the market leadership had to intervene to protect the interests of genuine traders.
Under the new guidelines, only registered vendors displaying official identification cards at their stalls will be permitted to operate within the market.
“Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas. Wooden structures and open flames are now prohibited to reduce fire hazards,” she said.
The Babaloja (leader of the market men), Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji, stressed the need to restore the market’s tarnished image, emphasising the importance of new security infrastructure such as CCTV surveillance, emergency alert systems, and stronger collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Other market leaders present at the briefing — including Prince Tony Nwakeze, Ralph Chibuzor, Ben Onuorah, Mr. Nofiu Akinsanya, and Mr. Ikani Tony — jointly endorsed the registration and enumeration effort. They described it as a critical step toward transforming Computer Village into a well-organised, globally competitive digital hub.
The biometric registration exercise is expected to be completed within two months. Thereafter, only verified traders will be allowed to conduct business in the Computer Village.