The Lagos State Government has revealed plans to move the well-known Computer Village from its current location in Ikeja to Kantagowa, situated in the Abule-Egba area of Lagos. The announcement was made by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-Governance and Urban Development, during a recent inspection carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), in collaboration with various law enforcement and government agencies.
In explaining the rationale behind this move, Babatunde emphasized that the relocation is part of the state’s broader initiative to reorganize markets across Lagos. He noted that efforts to restructure commercial hubs will improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and provide better facilities for both business owners and customers.
“We are working towards the reorganization of all our markets,” Babatunde said. “As an example, the Computer Village in Ikeja will soon be relocated to Katangowa, where other commercial activities will also be integrated. This will bring positive changes to the area and the economy.”
According to Babatunde, the new site will offer more than just a physical relocation for the traders. It will come with enhanced infrastructure, including ample storage spaces, warehouses, and additional amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, mosques, churches, and even accommodation options like hotels and guest houses. These developments are aimed at improving the working and living conditions for traders and their families, while also addressing the congestion and traffic problems currently plaguing the Ikeja area.
Babatunde further explained that the relocation effort will create a more organized and sustainable marketplace, contributing to the ongoing efforts to regenerate and develop Lagos in line with modern urban planning principles. “We are focusing on regeneration, redevelopment, innovation, and conservation in our approach to urban development. These efforts will ensure that Lagos becomes an even greater city,” he said.
The relocation of Computer Village to Kantagowa was initially planned for 2017, but various delays had postponed the project. However, Wasiu Anifowose, the state’s former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, confirmed in 2023 that all the necessary preparations had been finalized, paving the way for the traders’ relocation.
This development marks a significant step in Lagos’s urban regeneration and market restructuring plan, which aims to enhance the state’s infrastructure and business environment while addressing key urban challenges.