The Lagos State Government, on Monday, held a stakeholder meeting with traders at Computer Village, Ikeja, to discuss the planned relocation of the market to the newly developed ICT and Business Park in Katangowa, located in the Agbado-Oke Odo area of the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, stated that the engagement was convened at the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promote transparency and ensure that all stakeholders are actively involved in the relocation process.
The relocation is part of a broader urban renewal and decentralisation strategy by Sanwo-Olu’s administration, aimed at decongesting major commercial hubs, improving the quality of life, and promoting sustainable urban development.
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“For the first time in 15 years, the government is meeting you here in your market on this issue.
“It shows the governor’s commitment to openness and stakeholder engagement,” Oki said.
He explained that the Katangowa ICT and Business Park would provide modern facilities, including hotels, banking halls, recreation centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post, and access roads.
According to him, relocating the market would optimise business activities while restoring sanity to Ikeja, originally designed as a residential district.
Oki appealed to traders to support the move, stop trading on roads and drainage setbacks, and embrace the state’s urban renewal efforts.
Presentations were also made by officials of the Urban Development Department, highlighting the benefits of the relocation.
The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief (Mrs.) Abisola Azeez welcomed the initiative, noting that the new site would expand the market’s potential and create a more conducive environment for both traders and customers.
Other officials in attendance included the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Oladimeji Animashaun; Coordinating Director, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Builder Florence Gbaye; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Segun Williams; and executive members of the market association.
Over the years, the computer village has grown rapidly in size and economic significance, attracting traders, technicians, and customers from across the country and West Africa.
However, the market’s expansion has led to increasing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, overcrowding, illegal street trading, poor sanitation, and strain on infrastructure in Ikeja, a district originally designed for residential use.
These issues have long prompted calls for its relocation by both urban planners and state authorities.
