By David Akinmola
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to relocating the popular Computer Village from Ikeja to the Katangowa ICT Park in Agbado/Oke-Odo, saying the long-delayed project will soon become a reality under a new flexible payment plan designed to ease the financial burden on traders and investors.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Alausa on the state’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives. He explained that the relocation project, which has been in the works for several years, is part of the government’s broader strategy to decongest Ikeja’s Central Business District and transform Lagos into a modern, technology-driven economy.
According to Olumide, the government has finalized plans with the private developers handling the project to introduce a flexible and affordable payment structure for shop allocations, ensuring that traders, particularly small and medium-scale operators, can easily acquire spaces at the new ICT Park.
“We understand that one of the challenges delaying the relocation has been financing. The new payment plan is structured to allow gradual and manageable payments, so that genuine traders will not be excluded from the new development,” he said.
The commissioner described the Katangowa ICT Park as a world-class technology hub, featuring modern infrastructure, stable power supply, security, and improved traffic flow. He emphasized that the relocation will not only enhance the aesthetics of Ikeja but also promote safety, better business organization, and economic growth.
Olumide added that the state government is engaging with various stakeholders including the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) to ensure a seamless transition process.
“This project is not just about relocation; it is about creating a sustainable environment where businesses can thrive. We want to replicate what exists in global technology clusters, where innovation, order, and efficiency drive commerce,” he said.
He further noted that the existing site at Ikeja would be repurposed in line with the Lagos Master Plan, which seeks to balance commercial development with residential and environmental needs.
Industry observers have welcomed the development, noting that a flexible payment model could remove one of the biggest barriers to the long-awaited move.
The Computer Village relocation, first proposed over a decade ago, is expected to redefine Lagos’ ICT landscape and strengthen its position as West Africa’s technology hub.
