Computer Village Traders to Relocate to Katangowa Within 18 Months

Lagos State Government (LASG) has given traders at the Computer Village in Ikeja an 18-month window to relocate to a new market site at Katangowa, Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.

The announcement was made by Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, during a stakeholders’ meeting with market executives and traders on Tuesday.

Oki explained that the government had put in place the necessary facilities at the new location to ensure it is conducive for business. He urged traders to cooperate to make the relocation a success.

“The time to act is now. We must make this project a reality. Traders have 18 months to complete the relocation,” Oki said.

He noted that the current Ikeja site was originally a residential area but gradually developed into a commercial hub without government approval. Plans to relocate the market to Katangowa have existed since 2006 but were delayed due to slow development work.

Oki emphasized that the stakeholders’ engagement aimed to keep traders informed and involved. He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to inclusiveness and the welfare of residents.

“The governor is passionate about developing Lagos’ infrastructure. Katangowa, covering 15 hectares, has been designed to meet the full needs of this market. It is strategically located near essential business materials,” he said.

Project Coordinator Olayinka Bello noted that the new site has been planned to include a police post, hotels, and easy access to the BRT terminal to improve mobility for traders and customers.

Chief Abisola Azeez, Iyaloja of Computer Village, reminded traders that an earlier agreement to relocate the market to Katangowa was reached in 2006 with the then governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, now President. She urged traders to comply with the relocation plan within the stipulated period.