The great Computer Village Lagos started in 1997 as a one-man business on a street called “Otigba” in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State which used to be a residential area, now metamorphosized into one of the biggest tech product markets in West Africa.
The tech hub earned its name “Computer Village” because it initially sold computers (especially memory chips). It has organically expanded from a single shop to occupy 26 hectares of land and has extended its reach into the Anifowose axis of Ikeja. The Vanguard Newspaper reports that It generates an average revenue of about two billion dollars (N300 billion) to the economy annually,
Computer Village is a vibrant hub of innovation and electronic commerce that attracts tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and everyday consumers seeking the latest gadgets, tech solutions, and expert services. The unplanned tech market stretches across seven major streets, with an array of low-rise buildings, shopping plazas, converted bungalows, iron kiosks, and standalone umbrellas.
In 2003, a year after introducing GSM services to Nigeria, Computer Village became a household name among telecommunication users around the country
Aside from purchasing computers, computer accessories, digital cameras and accessories, mobile phones, and accessories, you can also sell or trade your old device for a new one. It’s worth noting that the computer village Ikeja houses a lot of knowledgeable technicians who can offer technical support when needed.
What to Expect At Computer Village Lagos
- Crowded Area: Computer Village is a very crowded place due to the multitude of people coming from across the country to inquire, buy, repair, and trade their electronic gadgets in the market. Someone once said if you can’t find it (electronic gadgets)in Computer Village Lagos, then you can’t find it anywhere in Nigeria.
- Noisy Environment: certainly, when you are in a computer village you can’t receive your phone calls as usual, due to different shop owners trying to create awareness of their shops with mega speakers. load music is a normal thing in computer village Lagos.
- Plenty and Plenty Street Guys: A Story about Computer Village can not be complete without mentioning street boys all over the market, they will approach people coming to the market with ( How far, you wan sell, you wan buy or swap?) meaning do you want to sell you device, buy or trade for another one. we will talk more about how to handle these guys below.
- Pickpocket And Thiefs: This market offers good gadgets and accessories, but at the same time a lot of predators waiting to steal your phone, money, and valuables.
- Not Motorable: If you are a car owner and want to visit Computer Village Lagos, ensure you get a comfortable place to park your car, because the market has no parking space and is always blocked by a lot of cars trying to find their way
Operational Details in Computer Village
1. Computer Village operates from Monday to Saturday, with Monday being a bustling day as traders restock their stalls after the weekend.
2. Peak Hours The market is always the busiest during the mid-morning to early afternoon, especially on weekdays.
3. The Market opens by 10 am on Thursdays due to Lagos state general environmental sanitation
4. Most of the shop owners arrive at their shops between 10 to 11 am, so ensure you adjust your timing accordingly
Safety Tips for Shopping at Lagos Computer Village
1. Plan your Visit: You could get lost in the crowd if your visit is not well planned. The market is so large with diverse offerings. Identify specific products or services you are interested in and allocate sufficient time to explore different sections of the market. Some vendors could prey on your naivety if you appear to get lost in the crowd.
2. Engage with Experts: When you’re not clear about the products or services you’re interested in, ask questions. Seek advice and guidance from knowledgeable vendors and technicians. They can help you make informed decisions, troubleshoot tech issues, and recommend suitable products or services based on your requirements.
3. Compare Prices and Quality: Always compare prices, warranties, and customer reviews to ensure you get the best value for your money. Many vendors are competing for businesses, taking advantage of the competing pricing and quality variations
4. Stay Updated on Tech Trends: Unprofessional vendors are waiting to prey on buyers who don’t know about the products they are interested in. You should at least have a little knowledge of the latest developments, product launches, and industry insights to make informed purchasing decisions.
5. Stay Alert: Computer Village is not kind to people who are not aware of their handbag’s location. The market can send you home in tears and empty-handed. Hold your purses or bags tightly and resist being swayed by sweet talks from street guys aiming to scam naive buyers.
6. Be mindful of Quack technicians: Professional and unprofessional computer technicians flood Computer Village You need to be very cautious when fixing your gadgets as your gadgets could end up damaged or part stolen.
7. Deal With Reputable Shops Only: Always be conscious of street vendors promising lower prices, you could end up buying inferior or stolen gadgets that could land you in trouble.
Source: Fragile Rovers
How to Get To Computer Village Market Lagos
Locating Computer Village Market from different areas in Lagos involves understanding the city’s layout and using various transportation options. Here’s a guide on how to find Computer Village from key locations:
From Ikeja (Central Lagos)
- If you’re in Ikeja, Computer Village is easily accessible. You can take a taxi, or board a bus to Ikeja under the bridge and locate the market nearby.
From Obalende
- If you’re coming from Obalende, take a bus in the garage heading to Oshodi
- Alternatively, you can take a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to Oshodi
- From Oshodi take buses going to Ikeja alight at the National bus stop and cross to enter Computer Village
- Please ensure to ask people around when you are not clear on the direction of this post
From Yaba
- Depending on your location, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Ikeja under the bridge and find the computer village market nearby.
Note: Accessing Computer Village depends on your familiarity with the route and medium of transportation in Lagos State.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast exploring the latest gadgets or an entrepreneur seeking business opportunities, Computer Village Market offers a vibrant and dynamic environment to fulfill your tech aspirations.
Computer Village is a never boring place to be. The giant hub also has a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that greets you when you step into the streets of the market. Vendors are hailing and greeting you lovingly to patronize them, and sounds of traders haggling, and music playing from nearby stalls
