The Lagos State Government has announced a flexible payment plan for traders ahead of the long-awaited relocation of Computer Village, Ikeja, to the new ultra-modern market site at Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo.
The initiative, jointly introduced by the state government and the project developer, aims to ease the financial burden on traders as the relocation process enters its final phase.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the Katangowa ICT Market within the next 18 months. He noted that the move will finally bring order to the current Computer Village site, which was never designated for commercial use.
“The present Computer Village area was originally planned as a residential estate, but years of unregulated expansion have displaced residents and overstretched basic infrastructure,” Oki said. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that the new market at Katangowa be developed to international standards, with modern facilities to ensure a seamless transition.”
According to Oki, the 15-hectare Katangowa ICT Market will feature essential amenities such as trailer parks, hotels, banks, police and fire stations, and other community services designed to support business operations.
Project developer, Mr. Sam Ajose, assured stakeholders that the flexible payment plan would make it easier for traders to secure their spaces without financial strain.
In her remarks, the Iya Oloja of Computer Village, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, expressed satisfaction with the latest update, saying her concerns about the project had been resolved. She urged the developer to adhere strictly to the agreed design and timelines to ensure timely completion.
Earlier this year, the Computer Village leadership launched a biometric registration and enumeration exercise to sanitize market operations, curb criminal activities, and restore investor confidence. Azeez explained that only registered vendors displaying official ID cards will be allowed to trade under the new guidelines.
She added that the rebranding effort also aims to eliminate phone snatching, fraudulent repairs, and the sale of substandard products. Under the new market rules, traders will be restricted to approved street setups using plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas—while wooden structures and open flames will be banned to enhance safety.
With the new payment plan and construction progress at Katangowa, Lagos appears closer than ever to realizing its long-delayed vision of relocating Africa’s largest technology hub to a more organized and secure environment.