Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos’ bustling technology and electronics hub, has launched a comprehensive biometric registration drive aimed at sanitizing the market environment, tackling rising criminal activities, and restoring investor and consumer confidence. This groundbreaking initiative, announced by market leaders, marks a significant step toward transforming the market into a secure, modern, and globally competitive digital center.
The initiative was unveiled by the Iyaloja (market leader), Abisola Azeez, who described it as a critical component of a wider rebranding effort designed to address pervasive challenges such as phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, counterfeit goods, and substandard product sales. According to Azeez, the biometric registration exercise is a proactive response to recent security incidents that almost prompted a total market shutdown by the Lagos State Task Force.
“The safety and welfare of our traders and customers are paramount,” she stated. “The biometric registration will ensure that only verified vendors with official ID cards displayed at their stalls will be permitted to operate. This is about securing livelihoods and protecting consumers from unscrupulous practices.”
This move comes after a heightened security concern which saw the Lagos State Task Force considering drastic measures. However, intervention by market representatives ensured legitimate traders’ interests were protected while pushing for stricter regulation.
In addition to biometric registration, new regulations have been set to improve the market’s physical environment and safety standards. Approved street setups will be restricted to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, explicitly banning wooden structures and open flames to reduce fire hazards—a recurring problem in the densely populated market.
The Baba Oja (market chief), Adeniyi Olasoji, highlighted the urgency of restoring the market’s tarnished reputation. “We are introducing CCTV surveillance, emergency alert systems, and strengthening our collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure real-time response to any security breach,” he explained.
Market executives including Prince Tony Nwakeze, Ralph Chibuzor, Ben Onuorah, Nofiu Akinsanya, and Ikani Tony have all thrown their weight behind the initiative, underscoring its importance in upgrading Computer Village into a structured and internationally competitive hub.
The registration exercise is scheduled to be completed within two months. Thereafter, only traders who have undergone biometric verification will be allowed to operate, effectively eliminating unverified operators and reducing illicit activities.
Further strengthening the market’s security framework, Fidelix Ezeugwu, Executive Secretary of the Ikeja Market Board, stressed the importance of unified leadership and technological upgrades. “We have representatives from four major ethnic groups working together to provide a cohesive governance structure. Alongside biometric registration, we are installing walkie-talkies for seamless communication, enhancing street lighting, and deploying advanced CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring,” Ezeugwu revealed.
He further noted that these improvements align with global best practices and aim to position Ikeja Computer Village on par with international technology markets in Dubai and Singapore.
Experts in urban market management have praised the biometric registration plan as a forward-thinking approach to tackling Nigeria’s widespread informal market security challenges. By introducing identity verification, the market is setting a precedent that could inspire similar initiatives across the country’s major trading centers.
The adoption of biometrics not only promises to reduce crime but is also expected to foster greater accountability and transparency among vendors, enhancing customer trust and attracting more business investments.
As the digital and technology ecosystem in Nigeria continues to expand, such proactive steps are crucial for sustaining growth, protecting stakeholders, and ensuring that iconic hubs like Ikeja Computer Village retain their competitiveness and relevance in a fast-evolving global marketplace.