Lagos State Government has announced its intention to relocate the traders and businesses of Computer Village, Ikeja, to a new site in Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area. The move is part of the government’s urban renewal and development agenda, which aims to create more livable and sustainable spaces for the residents of Lagos.
Computer Village, Ikeja, is the largest ICT accessory market in Africa, with over 3,000 dealers and retailers of various electronic devices, computer hardware, software, mobile phones, and other tech-related products. The market is also a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, as it provides opportunities for computer engineers and technicians to repair and service gadgets, as well as develop software and applications.
However, the market has also been plagued by several challenges, such as congestion, traffic, noise, pollution, and crime. Some customers have complained of being ripped off by fraudsters, who sell counterfeit or stolen products, or offer substandard services. The market has also been criticized for being incompatible with the residential and commercial nature of Ikeja, which is the capital of Lagos State and a major business district.
The Lagos State Government has therefore decided to relocate the market to Katangowa, a 25-hectare site that currently hosts a market for clothes, shoes, and textiles. Government has promised to provide modern facilities and infrastructure for the new ICT market, such as roads, drainage, power, water, security, parking, and waste management. The government has also assured the traders and stakeholders of Computer Village that they will be duly compensated and allocated spaces in the new site.
The government hopes that the relocation will not only decongest and beautify Ikeja, but also create a more conducive and organized environment for the ICT sector to thrive and grow. Government also plans to convert the old site of Computer Village into a residential area, with affordable and quality housing for the citizens of Lagos.
The relocation of Computer Village has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have welcomed the move, saying that it will improve the quality of life and business in Ikeja, as well as enhance the reputation and potential of the ICT market. Others have expressed skepticism, doubting the feasibility and effectiveness of the relocation, as well as the impact on the livelihoods and interests of the traders and customers of Computer Village.
What do you think of the Lagos State Government’s plan to relocate Computer Village? Do you think it will benefit or harm the ICT sector and the residents of Lagos? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
