CAPDAN seeks long-term measures in Computer Village relocation

Although, the Lagos State Government has not come out categorical about when and how it planned to move the Computer Village market from its current location in Ikeja to another area, in this regard, the Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), has called for a long term approach.

The Computer Village, which is adjudged as the largest ICT market in West Africa, has been in the news for some time now, following rumours that the Government planned to move it to the Kotangora Market, a suburb of the state.

But the state has denied any immediate relocation of the market, while CAPDAN said it will welcome any government’s decision that would further improve the market and enhance its contributions to the economy. Computer Village is said to add about $2 billion to Nigeria’s economy yearly.

Speaking, the President of CAPDAN, Ahmed Ojikutu, while stressing the need for the State to make the idea a long term approach, in order to ensure that the relocation plan would not bring division in the market. Such a long term approach will also not lead to loss of revenue on the part of the traders, whom he said are involved in legitimate business.

Ojikutu, however, revealed that the Government has assured traders that it would carry them along in the planning process since they are the major stakeholders.

“If a holistic approach is not taken, it could lead to total destruction of the Ikeja market master plan. Sudden relocation would affect so many things; there are so many markets, organisations, and businesses within the locality of the market that might suffer, if there is no better coordination and management of the market. Government should take a clue from the Silicon Valley in the U.S., which was developed over a long period of time. I think, in all, the State Government should consider a long term approach in the relocation plan, such would make us and other stakeholders prepare adequately,” he stressed.