Lagos Sets Deadline for Computer Village Traders

Traders at Ikeja’s famous Computer Village now have 18 months to leave for a new market site in Katangowa, Agbado/Oke-Odo. The Lagos State Government announced the timeline during a stakeholder meeting with market leaders on Tuesday.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, said the state had made preparations at Katangowa. “The government wants your cooperation to ensure the relocation comes to pass. The time is now. We have to make the project a reality. The relocation period is 18 months,” he explained.

Why Government is Pushing the Relocation

Oki noted that the Ikeja site was originally a residential neighbourhood, which over time became a commercial hub without approval. According to him, the Katangowa site spans 15 hectares and has been designed to support the traders with better infrastructure.

He also reminded the traders that the relocation plan has been in motion since 2006 but stalled due to slow development. “The governor is passionate about the development of the infrastructure of Lagos State, and he wants all of you to be aware of the relocation. Katangowa is a place chosen for everything relating to this market,” he added.

The Project Coordinator, Olayinka Bello, said facilities at Katangowa will include a police post, hotels, and access to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal. The government said this would make transport and security more convenient for traders and customers.

Chief Abisola Azeez, Iyaloja of Computer Village, confirmed that the relocation had been agreed upon since 2006 with then-Governor Bola Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President. She urged traders to cooperate with the government on the timeline.

Despite repeated setbacks in the past, state officials insist the market relocation is finally ready to happen. Traders now face the decision of adapting to the move or challenging another government directive that has been nearly two decades in the making.