The Lagos State government has renewed its engagement with stakeholders of Computer Village, Ikeja, on the proposed relocation of the market to the ICT and Business Park in Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.
At the meeting held at Market Square, Otigba Street, Ikeja, on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, said the initiative was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that the process must be transparent and inclusive.
“In line with the governor’s directive and to demonstrate the openness of the Lagos State Government, we have brought this meeting directly to you in your market for the first time since the commencement of the exercise some fifteen years ago,” Oki said.
He explained that construction was ongoing at the Katangowa ICT and Business Park, with modern facilities like hotels, a banking hall, recreation centres, car parks, a fire station, a police post, and access roads.
Oki added that relocating ICT businesses from Ikeja—originally designed as a residential area but now overtaken by commercial activities—would benefit both government and traders by providing a serene, purpose-built environment for commerce.
He urged stakeholders to support the relocation plan and help restore sanity to Ikeja by ending street trading and the display of wares on roads and drainage setbacks.
The Iyaloja of the market, Chief Mrs. Abisola Azeez, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for the initiative, saying the relocation would boost the market’s potential and create a more conducive environment for traders and customers.
Also present at the meeting were the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Tpl. Oladimeji Animashaun, Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Builder Florence Gbaye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Segun Williams, and executive members of the Computer Village Market Association.
