The Lagos State Government has issued an 18-month deadline for traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja to relocate to a new ultramodern site in Katangowa, Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with traders and executives of the market on Tuesday.
“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,” Oki said.
He explained that the new Katangowa market had been equipped with essential facilities to ensure a smooth transition, stressing that the current Ikeja site was originally a residential area illegally converted into a commercial hub over the years.
Oki also recalled that plans for relocation began in 2006 but suffered delays due to the slow pace of development at the Katangowa site. He assured the traders that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was committed to inclusiveness and their welfare throughout the process.
“Katangowa is a 15-hectare land, well-structured to serve your business needs. It is close to required resources, well laid out, and supported with infrastructure for long-term growth,” he added.
Project Coordinator, Olayinka Bello, noted that the new site had been designed with modern infrastructure, including a police post, hotels, and access to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal for easy movement.
On her part, the Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief Abisola Azeez, reminded traders that an agreement had been reached as far back as 2006 with the then governor of Lagos State, now President Bola Tinubu, to relocate the market to Katangowa. She urged stakeholders to abide by the government’s directive and prepare for the transition.
