 |
| Sanwo-Olu. |
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the developer responsible for relocating Computer Village from Ikeja to Katangowa in Agbado-Oke-Odo, has launched a flexible payment scheme to assist traders during the move.
The new payment arrangement was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja, where government officials reiterated their readiness to complete the long-delayed relocation of Africa’s largest ICT market.
In September, the state government issued an 18-month notice to traders to vacate the current site and move to the new Katangowa location.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to finishing the project and resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the relocation.
Oki pointed out that the present Computer Village site, originally meant for residential use, had become overcrowded and disorganised, displacing residents and putting pressure on existing infrastructure.
He further stated that the new Katangowa complex would be developed according to international standards, featuring state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a seamless transition for traders.
“The government will provide a 15-hectare market site fully equipped with facilities such as trailer parks, hotels, banks, a police station, a fire station, and other community amenities,” he said.
Oki urged all stakeholders to work with the developer to guarantee a transparent and orderly relocation exercise.
The project developer, Sam Ajose, assured traders that the flexible payment plan was designed to make the transition affordable and convenient for all business owners.
Reacting to the announcement, the Iya Oloja of Computer Village, Mrs Abisola Azeez, expressed satisfaction with the arrangement and confirmed that her earlier concerns had been addressed.
“All my fears have been laid to rest. I urge the developer to stay true to the approved design and project timelines to ensure a successful relocation,” she said.
Earlier in the year, the Computer Village leadership commenced a biometric registration and enumeration exercise to sanitise the market, strengthen security, and boost investor confidence.
Azeez explained that the exercise was part of an ongoing rebranding effort to tackle challenges such as phone theft, dishonest technicians, and the sale of counterfeit items.
She disclosed that the initiative was launched following a security incident that nearly resulted in the market’s closure by the Lagos State Task Force, adding that prompt intervention by market leaders prevented the shutdown.
Under the new market guidelines, only registered traders with visible identification cards will be permitted to operate. Additionally, street displays will be restricted to plastic chairs, glass displays, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames will be prohibited to reduce fire risks.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!