In a decisive move to tackle rising crime and improve market security, the leadership of Computer Village Market in Ikeja, Lagos, has officially launched a biometric registration and enumeration exercise for all traders and operators within the market. The initiative aims to sanitize the bustling electronics hub, curb criminal activities such as phone snatching and fraud, and restore investor confidence following recent security concerns that nearly prompted a market shutdown.
The biometric registration program, announced on Thursday, requires all traders to register their biometric data and obtain official identification cards. Only those with valid IDs will be permitted to operate within the market, while street trading will be strictly regulated to approved setups featuring plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas. Wooden structures and open flames will be banned to reduce fire hazards. Additionally, the market plans to enhance security infrastructure by installing CCTV cameras and emergency alert systems, alongside closer collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Mrs. Abisola Azeez, the Iyaloja (market leader) of Computer Village, emphasized the importance of the exercise in transforming the market’s image. “This biometric registration is a critical step towards sanitizing Computer Village and ensuring that only legitimate traders operate here. It will help us eliminate fraudulent activities and create a safer environment for both traders and customers,” she stated (The Nation Online, 2025).
Other prominent market leaders, including Baba Oja Adeniyi Olasoji, Prince Tony Nwakeze, and Mr. Ikani Tony, have endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential to reposition Computer Village as a structured and globally competitive digital marketplace.
The biometric registration is expected to be completed within two months. Following this period, enforcement will intensify to ensure compliance, with unregistered traders facing penalties or eviction.
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts in Nigeria to leverage biometric technology for security and identity management, reflecting recent upgrades to Nigeria’s biometric crime databases and national identity systems (Political Economist Nigeria, 2025).
By adopting biometric registration, Computer Village aims not only to reduce crime but also to attract more investors and customers by improving the market’s reputation for safety and reliability. The success of this program could serve as a model for other commercial hubs across Nigeria seeking to integrate technology-driven security solutions.
As the registration process unfolds, stakeholders remain committed to sustaining the market’s growth through enhanced security and regulatory compliance.
