According to Nivo News, the Lagos State Government’s renewed push to relocate the iconic Computer Village from its current site in Ikeja to Katangowa, Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, has been met with deep skepticism from traders and stakeholders. The state recently issued an 18-month ultimatum for traders to vacate the Ikeja hub and move to the new site, sparking doubts about the feasibility of the plan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The relocation project, first announced in 2017 during the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, has faced several setbacks and controversies. Despite government assurances that the Katangowa site now has the necessary infrastructure for smooth operations, a recent visit revealed otherwise. The proposed site appeared largely undeveloped, overgrown with weeds, and used as a dumpsite by nearby traders. Only remnants of foundation works by the initial developer, Bridgeways Global Project Ltd, were visible.

A lone LAWMA tractor was spotted at the location, but no significant construction activity was observed. The main access road, Ahmed Mohammed Road, remains unmotorable, with ongoing construction progressing sluggishly. A signboard at the entrance indicated that the project, handled by Tzipium Nig. Ltd., was scheduled for completion in six months, though visible progress remains minimal.

Complicating matters further, Bridgeways Global Project Ltd. is currently in court with the Lagos State Government over the alleged unlawful termination of its concession agreement for the Katangowa ICT Business Park. On October 12, Justice Mathias Dawodu of the Ikeja High Court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending further hearing, which was adjourned to December 9, 2025.

Computer Village, Nigeria’s largest ICT market, generates an estimated ₦300 billion annually and hosts over 3,000 ICT-based SMEs. Reports suggest the market contributes about ₦1.5 billion daily to the economy—one reason the state government has shown strong interest in its relocation.

However, traders remain doubtful about the government’s intentions and readiness. Some described the 18-month timeline as unrealistic, citing years of failed relocation attempts dating back to the administration of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2005. A trader, who preferred anonymity, said past efforts had been marred by lack of transparency, poor documentation, and political interference.

He noted that while the government insists the relocation will ease congestion and enhance safety with better infrastructure, the site itself remains waterlogged and largely inaccessible. He added that previous contractors who collected funds from traders are still in court with the government, raising further distrust.

Others have proposed a compromise—suggesting the existing Computer Village in Ikeja should remain operational while an extension is developed in Katangowa. The CEO of Network Solutions, Wale Adedoyin, stated that many traders have invested heavily in their current locations and cannot afford the estimated ₦15–₦20 million required to acquire new shops. “People don’t want relocation; they want expansion,” he said.

Another trader, identified as Stephen of Tech Paramount, dismissed the 18-month relocation plan as impractical, stating that “up till today, nothing concrete has been done on the site.”

Meanwhile, a member of the market task force at Katangowa, known as the Babaloja, expressed optimism that the government could deliver within the stipulated period if it demonstrates genuine commitment. However, the leadership of the Computer Village traders’ association has yet to make an official statement.

Calls placed to the Iyaloja of Computer Village, Hon. Abisola Azeez, were unanswered as of press time.