Lagos prides itself on being a centre of commerce and it has several booming markets to back up this claim. From the open-air markets to large malls, Lagos makes shopping for items, an experience its residents look forward to. For this post, Best Lagos discusses the Best Markets In Lagos.
Each market in Lagos is popular for something and often sells rare items that you can only find in it. Some markets are best for shopping for office wear and shoes, some have cheap thrift clothes, while others dominate in the area of foodstuff.
Knowing what goods or services you’ll find at specific markets in Lagos is information you should have at hand, before heading out. Another thing to note is that some markets offer better prices than others, especially if you know how to negotiate.
10 Best Markets In Lagos
1. Balogun Market
2. Mile 12 Market
3. Yaba / Tejuosho Market
4. Oshodi Market
5. Alaba Market
6. Computer Village
7. Epe Fish Market
8. Jankara Market
9. Aswani
10. Oyingbo
Best Markets In Lagos
Here, we’ll explore some of the best markets in Lagos, while focusing on the distinct appeal of each of them. This list will help you find the best places to buy goods in Eko, whether you are an experienced shopper or a first-timer ( in which case, shine your eyes).
Whichever you are, walk with us as we do a quick tour of Lagos’ most famous markets.
1. Balogun Market
Balogun leads the list of best markets in Lagos, as it is a one-stop shop where you can buy almost every item you want. It is divided into sections that hawk various goods and services, which include cloth, provisions, accessories, and bridal items. Balogun is the go-to place to find ‘Asoebi” materials for weddings or ”Owambe.”
While visiting this place can be extremely stressful due to the teeming crowd, shopping here is a memorable experience. It is always bustling with people, which is why you must watch your belongings closely so that nobody will pick your pocket.
Just keep your bags safe, and don’t allow anybody to act as an unsolicited guide for you, and you should be fine.
2. Mile 12 Market
Mile 12 market is reputed for being the go-to place to buy cheap perishable food items in bulk for Lagosians. Mile 12 has existed for 30 years and serves people from all parts of Nigeria. If you want to cook a meal that gives you your money’s worth, then shop at this market.
It is situated in the Ketu Local Government area of Lagos. The foodstuffs you can buy here for very good prices are fruits, tomatoes, pepper, onions, yam, yam flour, palm oil, vegetables, etc. You may also purchase non-edible materials at Mile 12.
Outside Mile 12, you’ll find different hawkers. And inside the market, people move from section to section. Save money by buying food items in bulk here.
3. Yaba/Tejuosho Market
Previously a rowdy and disorganized market, the Tejuosho market has transformed into a Ultra Modern Market. Besides being one of the best markets in Lagos, it also takes pride in having a magnificent and serene atmosphere. Of course, people still flock here, but it no longer has any of its former rowdiness.
Tejuosho is the best place to buy office wear and shoes. Due to the large number of companies here, corporate workers often come here to buy thrift workwear. This market is filled with clothes sellers, dollar changers, gold sellers, and curtain sellers.
At night, this market comes alive, as traders pull you towards their stalls. Tejuosho is the place to be, but be wary of pickpockets.
4. Oshodi Market
Oshodi market is a significant location in Lagos, acting as a point of connection to another part of the state. After the old Owonifari location was demolished, the market was moved to Isopakodowo.
The new Oshodi contains more than 600 shops and hundreds of stalls that accommodate Asoebi vendors, foodstuffs sellers, and fruit sellers.
Oshodi Market is reputed for being infested with thieves and handbag snatchers, but people still go here because the goods are affordable. Which is why we said you should shine your eyes.
5. Alaba Market
Alaba International Market is one of the most organized electronics markets in Africa. It is among the best markets in Lagos, located at Alaba, Ojo. This market is quite popular in the state and is often patronized by traders from neighbouring states and cities. Which makes its international market status legitimate.
Alaba is open every day except on Sundays and public holidays. It houses more than 5,000 shops, which excludes attachments and sub-shops. Over two million people come here to buy and sell. You can reach Alaba Market from the Badagry-Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Iyana Iba, Volks, Mile 2, Festac Town, etc.
6. Computer Village
Computer Village is located in Ikeja, it is the largest technology wares market in Nigeria and Africa. It is mostly populated by shops that sell phones, laptops, phone accessories, repair phones and activate sim cards.
The Village is perfect because item prices are not influenced by any dealer in the market, as there is healthy competition between vendors.
Daily, Computer Village attracts over 100,000 visitors, making it one of Lagos’ busiest markets. It generates a revenue of more than $2 billion yearly. It is where to buy gadgets and other electronics. There is a community of expert technicians who provide repair and maintenance services for gadgets and appliances.
7. Epe Fish Market
Epe Fish Market is among the best markets in Lagos to buy fresh seafood. Epe is a floating market, so finding freshwater animals here won’t be a challenge. There is a huge difference between the fish you buy here, and what you’ll get at any other place.
The Fish Market is frequented by people who love eating exotic animals like snails, tortoises, alligators, etc. Most fish sold are still alive and can be found swimming inside the woven baskets that are kept around the market. The fish at Epe are huge and will certainly delight any chef.
8. Jankara Market
Jankara Market is a popular spot for shoppers who want to purchase locally-made goods. You can find curtains, pottery, pirate cassettes, shoes, beads, clothing, tie-dyed cloth, and jewellery here.
Jankara is dominated by Igbo traders and is renowned for affordable prices. Going here can be an unforgettable experience.
9. Aswani
Many people may not know about Aswani but is one of the best markets in Lagos to buy cheap items. It is beside the Isolo Local Government Council office. Aswani is where you should go to buy second-hand items at low prices that’ll blow your mind.
There are vendors there that sell new clothing materials per yard, bags, shoes, underwear, and foodstuffs. You can take your damaged electrical appliance to Aswani and get it fixed for as low as NGN 500 -1,000.
Aswani is open every day of the week, but Mondays are for selling shoes and bags. It operates fully on Tuesdays. On Aswani Market day, you can buy every type of goods at affordable rates.
10. Oyingbo
Oyingbo Market is among Lagos’ oldest and largest markets. It is situated in the Ebute-Metta local government. It acts as a major hub for traders and buyers of clothes, electronics, foodstuff, or other household wares. Oyingbo is best for buying food items, it opens every day of the week except on public holidays.
One reason why Oyingbo appeals to Lagos’ residents is the unlimited fresh food items, gotten from different parts of the country. There is also a section for selling meat and poultry. Food vendors and eateries are also plenty in the market.
Oyinbo also has a clothing and textile part that sells an array of fabrics for men and women. These materials span traditional prints to modern designs. It is also a large hub for finding second-hand clothes, as traders import bales of used clothes from Europe and America to resell.
