Computer Village Traders Face Deadline as Lagos Approves Katangowa Relocation

The Lagos State Government has directed traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja to relocate to Katangowa Market within 18 months.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 23, during a stakeholders’ meeting between officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the market executives.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gbolahan Oki, said the decision was necessary to align with the state’s urban development plans.

According to him, the new location at Katangowa in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area is fully prepared with modern facilities.

“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 Katangowa site covers about 15 hectares and had been developed to make trading convenient for both sellers and buyers.

The relocation, first proposed in 2006, had faced repeated delays due to challenges in site preparation and slow construction work.

Oki further revealed that the existing location in Ikeja was originally designated as a residential area before being converted into a commercial hub without proper government approval.

He emphasized that the relocation would not only restore order in Ikeja but also provide traders with a more organized business environment.

“Katangowa is a place chosen for everything relating to this market. It is near all the materials you need for your business,” he assured.

The Permanent Secretary noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to inclusive governance, which explains why the government is engaging traders before final implementation.

“The governor is passionate about infrastructure development and wants you to be aware of the relocation,” Oki added.

Meanwhile, the executives of Computer Village traders were urged to begin preparations to move to the new site within the stipulated time frame.

While reactions from traders are still being gathered, the government maintained that the decision was in the overall interest of the state’s urban development goals.