The Lagos State Government has given traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja an 18-month deadline to relocate to a new permanent site at Katangowa in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting with market leaders and traders on Tuesday.

Oki stated that the state government has provided the necessary infrastructure and facilities at Katangowa to ensure a conducive business environment once the relocation takes effect.

“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,” he said.

He explained that Computer Village currently occupies land originally designated for residential use, which over time developed into a commercial hub without formal government approval.

Oki added that plans to move traders from Ikeja to Katangowa have been in progress since 2006 but were delayed due to incomplete development of the new site.

Highlighting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to inclusive governance, he noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to engage traders in the relocation process.

“The governor is passionate about infrastructure development and the welfare of Lagosians. Katangowa has been designated as the permanent site for this market. It covers 15 hectares of well-planned land, strategically located near essential resources for your businesses.

“The present location in Ikeja was never intended as a trading hub. What we are offering at Katangowa is a structured market environment that supports growth while addressing environmental and urban planning concerns. We want to work with you to jointly plan this relocation,” Oki said.