Computer Village Traders Confront Lagos Relocation Plan
The bustling hub of Computer Village in Ikeja, renowned as one of Africa’s largest and potentially West Africa’s biggest ICT markets, faces a significant shift following a recent meeting with the Lagos State Government. On Monday, September 22, 2025, the government initiated formal discussions with market stakeholders, outlining a long-term, 15-year strategy for relocating the iconic tech market to a new site in Katangowa, Agbado. This move, a topic of discussion for years, marks a pivotal moment for the thousands of businesses and individuals reliant on this vibrant tech ecosystem.
Government Vision vs. Trader Realities
Gbolahan Oki, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Lagos, championed the proposed Katangowa site, promising a modern, integrated environment. He detailed plans for comprehensive amenities including lifestyle and entertainment centres, ample car parks, a dedicated fire station, and a police post, aiming to foster a more organised and conducive atmosphere for commerce. Oki argued that the current footprint of Computer Village in Ikeja, originally designated as a residential area, represents an “off-book” development that has “distorted the pages” of urban planning. He emphasized that the relocation is essential to rectify this mismatch and provide a structured future for the vital tech ecosystem. However, the prospect of this move is not new to the market’s participants. Olakunle Michael Oladipupo, Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos State Chapter, reflected on the protracted nature of these discussions in an interview with Businessday, stating, “We have been hearing about this relocation for like five to ten years now.” This sentiment underscores a history of uncertainty and potential fatigue among traders regarding the long-standing proposals.
As the Lagos State Government pushes forward with its 15-year relocation blueprint for Computer Village, the stakeholders face a future of significant transformation. While the vision for Katangowa promises enhanced facilities and a more structured environment for tech trade in West Africa, the long-standing nature of these discussions suggests that traders will approach the practicalities of this monumental shift with a blend of expectation and cautious optimism. The coming years will undoubtedly shape the landscape of ICT commerce in Lagos, as one of Africa’s most vibrant tech markets navigates this ambitious urban development initiative.
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