Lagos State Announces Timeline for Computer Village Relocation, Calls for Traders to Invest in the Project

The Lagos State Government has set a clear timeline for the long-planned relocation of the bustling Computer Village market in Ikeja. According to a public notice from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, a stakeholders’ engagement was held on Monday, 22 September 2025, at Market Square, Otigba Street, Ikeja. The session focused on moving the market to the proposed ICT and Business Park in Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA. Beadysword Blog was on the ground to cover the event.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Mr Gbolahan Oki, stated that the meeting was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that the process must be inclusive and transparent.

“This is the first time in 15 years that the government is holding this kind of meeting directly with you in your market. It shows the governor’s commitment to openness,” Oki said.

Oki, speaking to the traders, many of whom are Igbo, have “one year and a few months” to move to the new site. He emphasised that the government aims for a smooth transition to prevent demolition or forced eviction.

The official also invited investors from among the traders to help the state government develop the new ICT and Business Park. He noted that the government is “allowing them to come and own the project, bring their money so it can be developed faster,” adding that  The facilities there, he said, would include hotels, banks, recreation centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post, good access roads.  as hotels and housing are planned so traders can both work and live within the complex.

Highlighting the human angle, Mr Nwakeze called for roadside vendors—many of whom are graduates—to be included in the relocation plans. “They did not choose to sell on the road; circumstances forced them there,” he said, urging the government to carry everyone along in the process.

The relocation of Computer Village, Africa’s largest technology market, has been on the state’s agenda for several years. With this renewed timeline and calls for trader investment, the coming months will be crucial for shaping the future of Lagos’s ICT hub.

A presentation was also made by officials of the Urban Development Department to explain the ongoing efforts and benefits of the relocation.

The Iyaloja of Computer Village, Chief Abisola Azeez, thanked the governor for the initiative, saying the new site would enhance the market’s potential and provide better opportunities for traders and customers because they will have enough space.

Other officials at the meeting include the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Mr Oladimeji Animashaun, and the Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs Florence Gbaye.