A New Chapter for Computer Village: Lagos State's 18-Month Relocation Mandate
In a
decisive move that marks a turning point for one of Nigeria’s most iconic tech
marketplaces, the Lagos State Government has issued an 18-month ultimatum to
traders at Computer Village in Ikeja to relocate to a new, purpose-built site
in Katangowa, located within the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
This directive, announced during a stakeholders’ engagement led by Gbolahan Oki, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, signals the culmination of a relocation plan that has been in gestation since 2006.
The
rationale behind this relocation is rooted in urban planning and regulatory
compliance. Computer Village, which has organically evolved into a bustling
commercial hub over the years, currently occupies land originally zoned for
residential use.
The
government argues that this unregulated expansion has led to infrastructural
strain, environmental concerns, and planning inconsistencies. Katangowa, by
contrast, offers a structured alternative: a 15-hectare expanse equipped with
modern facilities, including a police post, hotels, and proximity to a Bus
Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal, all designed to support business continuity and
growth.
Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has emphasized inclusivity and stakeholder
engagement throughout this process. The recent meeting with market leaders and
traders was not merely a formality but a strategic effort to foster cooperation
and transparency. Oki underscored the government’s commitment to making the transition
as seamless as possible, noting that the infrastructure at Katangowa is ready
to accommodate the traders and their enterprises. He appealed to the traders to
embrace the change, framing it as a necessary evolution for both the market and
the city.
The
relocation plan also carries historical weight. Chief Abisola Azeez, the
Iyaloja of Computer Village, reminded attendees that the market’s executive
body had reached an agreement with then-Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of
Nigeria, as far back as 2006 to move the market to Katangowa. That vision, long
delayed by logistical and developmental hurdles, now appears poised for
realization.
While the
mandate has sparked mixed reactions among traders, some wary of the disruption,
others hopeful for improved conditions, the government insists that the move is
in the best interest of Lagosians. The new site promises not only regulatory
compliance but also a more organized and secure environment for commerce.
As the
countdown begins, the next 18 months will be critical in shaping the future of
Nigeria’s tech retail landscape.
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