Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has announced its intention to relocate the famous Computer Village from its current location in Ikeja to a new site in Katangowa, a suburb in the Abule-Egba area.
The Computer Village is one of the largest technology hubs in Africa, attracting thousands of customers and traders every day. It is also a major source of revenue and employment for many Lagosians.
However, the government says the move is necessary to reorganize the markets in the state and to restore Ikeja as a residential area.
Why the relocation?
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Geographic Information System and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, disclosed the plan during an assessment visit to the market on Tuesday.
He said the Computer Village was originally a residential area, and by law, it should remain so. He added that the market was causing traffic congestion and environmental problems in Ikeja.
“We are trying to reorganize all our markets. I will give you an example. In Ikeja, we have a computer village. The computer village is being relocated. We are relocating them to Katangowa. It is not just the computer village alone. Other activities will happen in the Katangowa market,” he said.
What will Katangowa offer?
Babatunde said the new site in Katangowa was chosen because of its good road network and large expanse of land. He said the government was working to provide all the necessary facilities and services for the traders and customers in the new market.
“In the next coming weeks, you will see government effort on Katangowa. So, we are moving these people who seem to be on the road in Ikeja also obstructing traffic into a proper market big enough with all the services, including creche for their children, schools, playgrounds, mosques, churches, accommodation and hotel facilities, storage rooms, warehouses,” he said.
He also said the traders would have secured titles to the stores allocated to them, which they could use to access loans from banks.
How will the traders and customers react?
The plan to relocate the Computer Village has been met with mixed reactions from the stakeholders. Some traders and customers have expressed concerns about the distance, security, and infrastructure of the new site. They also fear that the relocation could affect their businesses and patronage.
However, some others have welcomed the plan, saying it would create more space, order, and opportunities for the market. They also hope that the government would involve them in the planning and execution of the relocation.
The government has assured that the relocation would be gradual and consultative, and that it would address the concerns of the stakeholders.
“We are planning with the people, they are also ready and we will continue to carry them along on the Katangowa plan,” Babatunde said.
He also said the relocation was part of the government’s vision to make Lagos a greater city, with improved urban development and regeneration.
The Computer Village is not the only market that the government plans to relocate. It has also announced plans to move the Mile 12 Market, the Okobaba Sawmill, and the Oyingbo Market to new sites.
The government hopes that these moves will enhance the livability and sustainability of Lagos, as well as boost its economy and technology sector.
Source: Punch
