Computer Village, Lagos: Africa's Largest Tech Market and What to Expect

Computer Village Lagos, in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, is the best-known technology market in Nigeria, and this Lagos tech market is often called one of the largest in Africa. It is where many Nigerians buy and repair phones, laptops and accessories, and where many shop owners source stock. This guide explains what Computer Village Ikeja is, what is sold, how to reduce the risk of fakes, how to inspect devices, what to know about the planned relocation, and what online options exist. It is general information; check current facts before you go, because the market's situation has been changing.

What Computer Village is

Reports say Computer Village began as a cluster of phone repair stalls and grew, without a master plan, into a hub of hardware and software dealers serving Nigeria and the wider West African region. It has operated for more than two decades in the Ikeja area, and the name is now used for the whole district of shops, plazas and street stalls. Because the market grew organically, you will find formal shops with fixed addresses next to small kiosks and mobile sellers.

The Lagos State government has for years announced plans to move the market from Ikeja to a purpose-built ICT and business park at Katangowa, in the Agbado Oke-Odo area. Officials have given reasons such as traffic congestion, environmental concerns and restoring Ikeja's residential character. News reports in 2025 said a phased move was planned over roughly 18 months, with earlier announcements delayed several times. Because plans and dates have shifted before, treat any date as unconfirmed and check local news and traders' associations for the latest position before you travel.

What is sold at Computer Village Ikeja

You will find a mix of new, used and refurbished items. The main categories are:

Mobile phones and tablets: new, used and refurbished, from popular brands to budget models.
Laptops and desktop computers: new units and used units, plus parts and chargers.
Accessories: cases, screen protectors, chargers, cables, power banks, earphones and memory cards.
Repairs and software: screen replacement, battery swaps, unlocking and software services.
Networking and office technology: routers, printers, toner and other office items.

If you plan to buy phones in Computer Village for resale, decide your categories first and avoid chasing every model. Choose three or four models that your customers actually ask for, and learn those very well.

Computer Village prices: how to compare

People often ask about Computer Village prices, but I am not quoting figures here. Prices move with the exchange rate, import costs and stock availability, and they vary by seller and device condition. A better approach is to build your own comparison:

Visit at least five sellers and ask for the price of the same exact model, storage size and condition (brand new, open box, used or refurbished).
Ask the price for one unit and for five units. Wholesale prices usually start at a minimum quantity.
Compare against live listings from retailers and online marketplaces on the same day.
Be suspicious of any price far below the rest. A very low price usually means used, refurbished, cloned or stolen goods, or a bait-and-switch.

Prices also differ between a brand's official retailers and open-market sellers, because of warranty, packaging and sourcing. Ask the seller to be specific about what you get.

Fake phones at Computer Village: how to protect yourself

Counterfeit and cloned devices exist wherever phones are sold in volume, in every country. Anyone worried about fake phones Computer Village or any other market should follow a careful inspection routine, whatever the seller's reputation. We have a longer article on how to spot original phones from fakes in Nigeria; here is the short version.

Check the IMEI. Dial *#06# on the phone and compare the number with the one printed on the box and under the battery or in settings. They should match.
Verify the model in settings. Check the about-phone page for model, storage and software version, and compare with the brand's official specification page.
Test every function. Cameras, speakers, microphone, charging port, fingerprint sensor, SIM slots, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data.
Look at the screen and body. Check for dead pixels, colour shift, gaps in the casing, loose buttons and strange fonts in the software.
Check the battery and charger. Charge the device during your visit. Genuine accessories feel consistent and are marked properly.
Ask about the account lock. Make sure the previous owner's account has been removed from the phone and that you can set up your own account.
Insert your own SIM. Make a call and use data before you pay.
Keep the receipt and box. Get the seller's name, shop number and phone number in writing.

Never accept a phone that the seller will not let you test. Never complete payment before you have inspected the device in full.

Buying tips for first-time visitors

Go in daylight and on a weekday morning if possible, when sellers have more time.
Plan your budget and your models before you enter the market. Do not let a seller push you into a different model.
Bring a friend, and do not carry more cash than you need. Keep your phone and money secure in crowded lanes.
Avoid street touts who offer to "take you to a good seller". Choose shops with a fixed address where you can return.
Pay by transfer to a named business account when possible and keep the proof, or pay cash only after the device passes testing.
If you are buying a used device, ask for proof of origin and check the device is not reported lost or stolen. If you are unsure, buy a different one.
Back up and wipe your own old phone if you are trading it in. Remove your accounts first.

Business buyers: sourcing for resale

Resellers need more than a good deal. Build a short supplier list and record each supplier's reliability across at least three purchases. Ask about warranty, and how the seller handles faulty units. Keep stock records with IMEI numbers, because they help you resolve disputes and prove you bought a device legally. If you also source other goods across Nigeria, look at the fabric hub in our Kantin Kwari guide.

For budget-conscious customers, a shortlist of capable low-cost devices may be more useful than a famous brand; our guide to the best Android phones under ₦100,000 explains how to choose by features instead of hype.

Online alternatives

Buying online has its own risks, but it saves travel time and lets you compare many sellers. On Comilmart you can browse phones and tablets from sellers across Africa, read the buyer protection page to see how the platform describes protection for buyers, and use the scam alert page to learn warning signs. Comilmart's team publishes this guide, and it is not a recommendation of any specific shop in Computer Village.

Frequently asked questions

Is Computer Village still in Ikeja? Plans to move it to Katangowa have been announced repeatedly and reported as phased. Check the latest local news and trader associations to learn where shops are operating when you go.

Can I find genuine phones at Computer Village? Yes, genuine devices are sold there, as are other types. That is why testing and checking the IMEI are essential.

Is it cheaper than buying elsewhere? Not always. Prices depend on the model, the condition, the exchange rate and the seller. Compare with at least a few live listings before deciding.

Do I get a warranty? It depends on the seller and the device. Ask in writing what the warranty covers, for how long and who handles repairs.

What should I do if I buy a fake? Return to the shop quickly with the receipt, device and box. If the seller refuses, keep your evidence and seek advice from a consumer protection office. Do not confront anyone aggressively.

Getting started

If you are a seller of genuine devices and accessories, create a Comilmart account to reach buyers beyond your street; there are no listing fees to get started. If you are a buyer, send a request through RFQ sourcing and compare offers before you commit.