Markets are important aspects of society, needed for enhancing economic activities, due to the exchange of goods and services amongst different parties.
Lagos, being the economic capital of Nigeria, is popular for the array of markets that serve indigenes, visitors, and tourists. Markets in Lagos are located in different areas spread across the state and are known to serve different purposes.
For example, a certain market comes to mind if you’re thinking of aso-ebi, party items, or souvenirs. Another comes to mind if you’re thinking of foodstuffs and fruits. Yet another comes to mind if you’re thinking of electronics, cosmetics, or household items.
This shows that each of these markets is famous for one thing or the other it has to offer buyers and also contributes to economic growth. Shopping experiences in these markets can be a mixture of fun and exciting experiences if navigated properly or stressful if not.
This means that visiting any of these markets would require adequate knowledge about them, and in this article, we are exploring five major markets in Lagos.
That being said, here are five markets in Lagos you should know!
Table of Contents
Five Major Markets in Lagos and What They Are Known For
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Mile 12 international market
Mile 12 International Market
The market is located on Ikorodu Road, in the Ketu Local Government Area. Famous for the bulk sale of foodstuffs at affordable prices. Items sold here are from different parts of the country, ranging from tubers, fruits, grains, vegetables, peppers, and so on.
It is the largest perishable food market in Nigeria. So, if you’re planning a party or you want to stock up on food in your home while saving costs, Mile 12 is the best option.
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Alaba international market
Alaba International Market
This electronics market is popular for its fair prices and its array of electricians and engineers who repair appliances.
It is located along Badagry expressway in Ojo. It is described as an international market as there are electronics importers, and it attracts customers from outside the country’s shores.
It is open from Mondays to Saturdays and closed on Sundays and public holidays. Also, it is the perfect choice when searching for recycled goods.
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Eko idumota market
Eko Idumota market
The market is located in the heart of Lagos Island.
Although you can find almost everything you can think of in this market, It is well known for different types of textiles and fabrics that can be used for different occasions, with shoes, purses, and bags to match. If you’re getting ready for an owambe, Eko market is your best bet.
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It also has different sections for jewellery, household items, ready-made clothes, accessories, provisions, and so on.
It is also known for its affordability, as traders offer wholesale prices, and retailers in other parts of Lagos usually buy their goods from here.
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Yaba/Tejuosho Market
Yaba-Tejuosho Market
The market is located along the Ojuelegba-Itire Road in Yaba. It combines a buzz of different activities ranging from clothing retailers, curtains sellers, dollar changers, gold sellers, hair sellers, and so on. Also popular for the sale of thrift items.
The ultra-modern market on Ojuelegba-Itire Road has different stores that sell diverse items and provide a variety of services—for example, SPAR, PEP, Mama Tega, and so on.
Some traders in this market are popular for harassing females, so it is important to be very careful while navigating the market, and if possible, go with a male.
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Computer Village
Computer Village Market
Stationed in Ikeja, the market is popular for the sale of phones, laptops, accessories, and other gadgets. It is also known for the repair of either software or hardware components of phones and laptops.
While visiting this market, one has to be very careful, as two categories of traders dominate this place; the registered and unregistered traders. The registered traders are the safest to patronize, while the unregistered ones should be avoided at all costs, as they are unaccountable and perpetrate offenses in the market.
It is one of the busiest markets in Lagos, and the biggest technology market in Nigeria which offers a lot of job opportunities thereby contributing to economic growth.
Did we miss your favourite market? We would love for you to share it with us on our WhatsApp community or in the comment section, we might consider updating the article.
The Dos and Don’ts of Visiting Markets in Lagos
There are some general tips that you should consider while navigating these markets. They include:
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Go early
Some markets open as early as 5 a.m. on specific days, and this enables retailers who still want to sell their goods the same day to buy from wholesalers and resell.
It has also been noticed that some of these markets provide better goods and services in the early morning hours, and many buyers know this. So, going later than that would most likely mean getting inferior goods or products.
While this doesn’t apply to all markets, it would still be beneficial to go early before the harsh afternoon sun comes up, leaving you hot and parched.
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Wear comfortable clothes
Markets in Lagos are not the right places to showcase your fashion sense. This means avoiding ”scanty” clothes to avoid “inappropriate” touching, as some people in these markets don’t understand boundaries.
Going as freely and casually dressed as possible is important to aid easy movement.
Footwear could be anything firm or fitted, ranging from sandals, sneakers, or slides that wouldn’t come off easily in case someone mistakenly stepped on you.
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Do not hold excess cash
Not everyone who comes to the market is there to buy or sell. These markets are known for pickpockets and petty thieves who disguise themselves as everyday shoppers. This is how they are able to cart a lot of money from both sellers and buyers.
So, do not take excess cash with you; if you must, make sure to tuck it somewhere safe (like a cross bag/purse placed in front of you) and be very conscious.
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Have a list
Having a list helps to avoid unnecessary buying. Some markets offer a range of beautiful and colorful items that are appealing to the eyes, and for impulse buyers, that is those that buy without planning in advance, you may end up buying every other thing except what you originally came to buy. So, having a list helps to avoid regrets in the long run.
It also helps navigate your movement. The way some of these markets are sectioned, some parts predominantly sell a particular set of items, while others have other items.
Having a list helps you get all you want without stressing and going around in circles.
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Put on your ‘bargaining’ hat
Except for goods or items that have fixed prices, ensure you beat down any price given so that traders don’t make excess profit off you, thereby cheating you.
Also, if you have the strength and/or time, you could confirm the price from different stores to ensure you are getting a fair price.
A trick I’ve learned that you can apply if you’re bold is to cut whatever price you’re given into two and start bargaining from there. You’d be surprised by how much these traders would have ripped off you if you had settled for the initial price.
Conclusion
If you are ready to explore markets in Lagos? Starting with these 5 markets will provide distinctive shopping experiences; from Mile 12’s economical cuisine to Alaba International Market’s electronics, Eko Market’s textiles, Yaba/Tejuosho’s diversity, and Computer Village’s tech.
Remember to arrive early for the best prices, to dress comfortably, and to keep your money secure. We hope you have all the information you need to navigate markets in Lagos.
Knowing how the physical market works is good, but knowing how the online market works is way better. Have you ever wanted to learn more about how online market? Then follow us on Instagram to get to know more about these updates.
About Author
- I am a student of Obafemi Awolowo University. A Gen-Z and advocate for the Soft Life. I spend most of my leisure time as a freelancer, creatively curating content and telling relatable stories. I am also passionate about quality lifestyle.
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