The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the developer handling the proposed relocation of Computer Village, Ikeja, to Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo, has announced a flexible payment plan to ease the transition for traders.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders? meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja, where government officials reaffirmed that the long-awaited relocation of Computer Village would soon become a reality.

In September, the state government gave traders an 18-month deadline to move to the new Katangowa site.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to completing the project and bringing an end to years of stalled efforts.

?The current site, originally a residential area, has been adversely affected by unplanned development, displacing many residents,? Oki said.

He explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu, in line with his vision for sustainable urban development, had directed that the new market site be built to international standards for a seamless transition.

According to him, the 15-hectare Katangowa site will include essential facilities such as trailer parks, hotels, banks, a police station, a fire station, and other community amenities.

?The government will provide a 15-hectare site equipped with facilities such as trailer parks, hotels, banks, a police station, a fire station, and other community amenities,? he reiterated.

Oki called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the developer to ensure a smooth and orderly relocation process.

Project developer, Sam Ajose, assured stakeholders that the flexible payment plan was designed to make the move easier for traders and business owners.

Responding, the Iya Oloja of Computer Village, Abisola Azeez, expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that her earlier concerns about the project had been addressed.

?All my fears have been allayed. I urge the developer to adhere strictly to design specifications and timelines so that the relocation can be completed successfully,? she said.

Earlier this year, the leadership of Computer Village commenced a biometric registration and enumeration exercise to sanitise the market, curb criminal activity, and restore investor confidence.

Azeez described the initiative as part of a broader rebranding effort aimed at addressing issues such as phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and the sale of substandard goods.

She explained that the exercise followed a recent security incident that prompted the Lagos State Task Force to consider a complete market shutdown. However, the market?s leadership intervened to protect legitimate traders.

Under the new rules, only registered vendors displaying their ID cards at their stalls will be permitted to operate. Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames are prohibited to reduce fire risks. (The Guardian)

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