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Lagos Unveils Flexible Payment Plan to Ease Computer Village Relocation
The Lagos State Government has announced a flexible payment plan to support traders as part of its long-awaited initiative to relocate the popular Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa, Agbado-Oke-Odo.
RELATED: No going back on relocation of Ikeja computer village – Lagos State
The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on traders. It will ensure a smooth, inclusive, and well-organized transition to the new, modern ICT and Business Park.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, government officials reassured traders that the relocation project would continue as planned. The relocation will be done in a structured, transparent, and timely manner, the officials said. They added that the traders’ welfare and business continuity are top priorities.
A Strategic Move Toward Modernization
The Computer Village is described as the largest technology market in West Africa, is estimated to generate over $2 billion annually, with reports suggesting daily revenues reaching $1.5 billion.
As a vital economic and innovation hub, it is hosting thousands of vendors involved in the sale and repair of phones, computers, and digital accessories. The village also employs thousands of both skilled and unskilled workers.
However, the current Ikeja site has become severely overstretched due to unplanned expansion and congestion. It was originally designated as a residential area.
According to Arc. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, the unregulated growth has strained local infrastructure, caused traffic bottlenecks, and displaced residents.
He explained that the new 15-hectare Katangowa site is designed to meet international standards. The site features modern amenities such as trailer parks, banks, hotels, a police station, and a fire service unit. All of these are structured to support both commercial activity and public safety.
Modern Facilities for a Digital Future
The Katangowa ICT and Business Park will provide a more organized, secure, and business-friendly environment. In addition, it will help in positioning Lagos as a leading digital economy hub in Africa.
Facilities at the site include schools, banks, hotels, and recreational centers. All of these are designed to enhance convenience and improve the overall experience for traders and customers alike.
The relocation also aligns with the state’s broader vision to decongest urban centers like Ikeja, revitalize urban infrastructure, and promote digital entrepreneurship.
Flexible Payment Plan to Support Traders
Mr. Sam Ajose, the project developer, emphasized that the newly introduced flexible payment scheme was designed to accommodate traders across different financial levels, ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind.
He explained that traders can now pay for their new shops or spaces in phases. This will help in reducing the financial strain and enabling wider participation in the relocation process.
Ajose further called for cooperation, accountability, and transparency among government agencies, developers, and market associations to guarantee the project’s success.
Traders Commend Government Initiative
Mrs. Abisola Azeez, a market leader, lauded the government for its responsiveness and proactive approach in addressing traders’ concerns. She noted that the relocation represents a transformative opportunity to rebuild Computer Village into a better-organized, safer, and globally competitive ICT market.
Azeez urged the developers to adhere to the approved project timelines. She also urged them to ensure the new market’s facilities align with traders’ operational needs.
Rebranding for Security and Efficiency
Ahead of the relocation, the market leadership had conducted a biometric registration and enumeration exercise. According to the leadership, it will help to sanitize and regulate operations within the Computer Village.
Under the new system, only registered vendors with official ID cards will be authorized to trade. Street trading, open flames, and wooden stalls will be prohibited.
Permitted outdoor displays will now be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, as part of safety and modernization measures.
These reforms are aimed at curbing phone theft, counterfeit product sales, and fraudulent repairs. It will also help at improving overall security and business ethics in the ICT market.
A New Chapter for Lagos’ Technology Ecosystem
With the combination of a flexible payment plan, improved governance, and a fully equipped modern ICT hub, the relocation of Computer Village to Katangowa represents a milestone in Lagos’ journey toward becoming a smart and sustainable city.
The Lagos State Government remains confident that the new Katangowa ICT and Business Park will set a national benchmark for digital commerce and innovation, transforming the landscape of technology trading in Nigeria.
