Some traders at Computer Village, Ikeja, have expressed deep skepticism over the Lagos State Government’s renewed push to relocate the market to Katangowa in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.
Speaking anonymously, one trader told our correspondent that the latest effort has been met with widespread unhappiness and a lack of faith, as similar relocation proposals in the past have failed to produce clear outcomes or transparent processes.
The trader raised concerns over the government’s approach, particularly its failure to provide official documentation confirming the authority of traders over the designated Katangowa site.
According to him, the land was originally secured during the administration of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2005–2006.
He insisted that traders want direct allocation of the land so they can manage development themselves, rather than relying on contractors whose projects may be subject to political changes.
“Relocation discussions have been going on for 15 to 19 years, right from Tinubu’s second regime,” the trader said, adding that successive governments, including the current administration during its first tenure, have only repeated unfulfilled promises involving contractors.
Official claims that the new site will address congestion and fire safety, with facilities such as hospitals and access roads described as “political excuses.”
The trader noted that the Abuleba site, acquired nearly two decades ago, remains waterlogged and inaccessible.
He further alleged that a contractor previously engaged in the project is still in court with the government over a terminated contract and money collected from traders.
The trader emphasized that without transparent allocation and proper documentation, the proposed relocation risks becoming yet another cycle of empty promises.
