As part of efforts to transform Lagos into a mega city, the Lagos State government has decided to relocate Computer Village to ICT park, Kantangowa in Agbado. The decision was made known today during 2017 Press Briefing.
For the uninitiated, Computer Village is a highly patronised market for a wide range of technology products, ranging from phones, laptops and other gadgets. It is also the hub for product parts and repairs of gadget. Several people work and make a living at Computer Village. It is presently situated in the Ikeja axis of Lagos, Nigeria.
The Lagos State government plans this move in order to control environmental degradation, housing stock deficit and traffic congestion in Ikeja axis.
For a market which was not built or developed by the government, it begs the question of how possible it is for government to exercise power and relocate it to another location.
Computer Villiage keeps on expanding and developing daily, it houses a wide number of workers and business owners, if it is moved what is the guarantee that wherever it is located to, traffic congestions will be curbed.
Is this the death of Computer Village?
The Ikeja axis is a major area in Lagos, hundreds of people ply the Ikeja route daily. This is one of the many reasons Computer Village was able to grow to its present status. Moving the market to a new route could spell the death of the market as it may not experience as much patronage as it presently does.