In Nigeria’s bustling Computer Village, the iconic hub for information and communications technology (ICT) accessories, repairs, and sales located in Ikeja, Lagos, a significant protest unfolded over the weekend.
Traders affiliated with the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, Ikeja (CACOVI), closed their shops along Otigba Street in a calm display of unity.
This action highlighted ongoing tensions with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) regarding sealed plazas stemming from a tax compliance disagreement.
The market, known as one of Africa’s largest ICT markets, saw shop owners, plaza managers, and association leaders gather as businesses remained shuttered, with traders observed walking around the street throughout the day.
The solidarity action followed a reminder letter sent by CACOVI to the LIRS on July 23, 2026. In the letter, the coalition urgently called for the immediate reopening of the affected plazas and requested a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the impasse.
Background of the Dispute
The crisis escalated after LIRS officials sealed several plazas during a tax enforcement drive. Authorities alleged that certain market leaders had not fully adhered to a previously agreed tax payment plan. The sealed locations had been locked since the previous Wednesday, marking what CACOVI described as an unprecedented week-long shutdown in the market’s history due to tax issues.
CACOVI President Timi Famoroti criticized the LIRS for allegedly reversing earlier agreements reached with parts of the market leadership. He noted that traders had consistently met rising tax demands, with many paying up to N50,100, prior to the recent enforcement. However, the agency reportedly began demanding three years of tax arrears, leading to the sealing of entire plazas—even impacting traders who had already fulfilled their obligations.
Famoroti emphasized that the LIRS should have engaged directly with CACOVI, which represents over 50 associations and plaza heads across the village, rather than selective leaders. He stressed that the coalition supports Lagos State’s revenue generation efforts but insists on proper dialogue and fair processes. “The information was not passed to the whole market,” he reportedly stated.
Vice President Chinedu Mbakwe echoed these concerns, questioning the arrears demands given existing payment records. He argued that sealing whole plazas over individual or personal income tax matters unfairly affected compliant businesses alongside any defaulters.
Trader Concerns and Broader Impacts
One trader, Andrew Azionu of Bush Bill Ventures, highlighted additional friction: LIRS officials allegedly requested sensitive personal details such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), and information about traders’ children for a new assessment process. Many hesitated due to fears of potential fraud or data misuse. Azionu also wondered why Computer Village faced seemingly stricter scrutiny compared to other Lagos markets.
In an internal message to plaza heads, Famoroti mobilized for the full shutdown to stand with those directly affected, citing a breach of prior agreements by the tax agency.
The coalition’s letter to the LIRS Informal Sector Department underscored the severe economic ripple effects. It warned that the closures disrupted livelihoods connected to over 300,000 people linked to the market. A previously planned stakeholders’ meeting for July 22 had not taken place, further complicating resolution efforts.
CACOVI urged the LIRS to unconditionally reopen the plazas and promptly reschedule the meeting with its leadership. As of the latest reports, the LIRS had confirmed receiving the letter but had not yet arranged the requested dialogue, leaving the standoff ongoing and businesses strained.
Context on Computer Village
Computer Village (also known as Otigba) has long served as a vital economic engine in Lagos, drawing traders, buyers, and investors from across Nigeria and beyond for computers, phones, accessories, and repair services. It operates as a dynamic ecosystem of shops and plazas, though it has faced challenges including leadership disputes, relocation plans to sites like Katangowa, security concerns, and regulatory pressures in the past.
This latest tax-related shutdown underscores the delicate balance between government revenue drives and the operational realities of informal and semi-formal markets that employ hundreds of thousands. Both sides appear open to dialogue, but swift resolution will be key to minimizing further economic disruption in this key ICT hub.
Note: This account is a synthesized and paraphrased news summary based on publicly reported events, presented originally for informational purposes.
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