5 Popular Markets In Lagos Nigeria: And What to Get out Of Them

Whether you are a foreigner interested in Nigeria, a Nigerian In the diaspora, or even back home trying to figure out where to go shopping for your big event, or maybe just trying to find your way around Lagos.

this article got you covered! we will talk about some popular markets in Lagos. The most populated state in Africa, we will list items associated with the markets.

These popular markets in Lagos are like community hubs where people come together to shop, socialize, and support local businesses. The markets contribute commercially to society and generate significant revenue for the Government, and are also a considerable means of survival for many Lagosians and Nigerians.

They are famous for the items they are associated with. for example if you mention any of the markets one can easily know what you are shopping for.

A Few Popular markets in Lagos 

These are some prominent markets in Lagos and what they are known for.

1. Alaba Internation Market
2. Katangwa Market(Super)
3. Computer Village Market
4. Abattoir Market
5. Ile-Epo

 

Alaba Internation Market

Alaba international market is the center for Electrical and electronic equipment in the country, business owners travel from all over the country and neighboring African countries to source Electronics and appliances for personal use, or resell.

Chinese electronic suppliers reckon with Alaba international market traders as they are the bread and butter of their business in Nigeria.

Items like TVs, sound systems, Electrical wires, and lights, Armored cables, heavy-duty electrical equipment, and other consumer electronics are what the market is known for.

when a Nigerian says “I Dey Go Alaba” in Nigerian pidgin English ( Am Going To Alaba Market), everyone understands the speaker is not going to the grocery store or clothing market.

The market is located around the Ojo area of Lagos State. It is a sure great source of revenue for Ojo Local Government and the state as the shop owner pays an annual business permit to the Government and daily tickets obtained by off-shop traders to carry out their businesses.

Alaba international market boosts its prominence in Nigeria and beyond as the majority of Traders and shop owners are the Igbos tribe from the Eastern part of Nigeria, with China being their major source of goods, it’s worth noting that all item have their sections where they are sold, it could be a bit confusing to a first timer in the market. so, be sure to go with a guide, or don’t hesitate to ask questions around when need be.

lest I forget, be wary of street guys who will make promises of cheaper goods as some of them will take you to where you end up buying regrettable items, looking around or making research about reputable stores is a sure way to go.

 

 

Katangwa Market(Super)

When Nigerians hear the word “Na Mumu Dey Go Boutique” A Nigerian pidgin slang (fools that buy from Boutiques) we quickly understand that someone around is promoting Okrika (used wear)

Behold I present to you the almighty KATANGUA MARKET!

Katangua market otherwise known as super is undoubtedly known for its popularity for used wear. the market has been a lifesaver to lower-class Nigerians since 19BC (lighter note). The market is so famous for its cheaper and second handed wear.

The word stock jeans, stock shirts, and Akube are everyday rap in Katangua (Only God knows their meaning)

Do you want to buy used clothes, shoes and bags, belts, and other accessories? then Katangua market is the place to be.

The market is located in the heart of Agbado Oke Local Government in Lagos.

the pidgin slang in the first sentence undoubtedly originated from the almighty Katangua Market, simply meaning one should not spend money in expensive clothing shops when one can get it cheaper in Katangua.

Katangua has 3 main market days in a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These are days considered main market days where most traders are available with fresh stock and buyers trip in to buy, other days of the week are considered ordinary market days where leftovers of main market days are sold

 

 

Computer Village Market 

Computer village is located in Ikeja the heart of Lagos, just a walkable distance to the great Ikeja Local Government Area.

the market houses most Tech and Electronic gadgets used in Nigeria, Do you want to buy Phones and Computers, smartwatches and cameras, head Phones and earpieces, computer software, and tools, or maybe you need parts to fix your faulty gadgets? then Computer Village is a place to turn to.

someone once said if you can’t find your gadget parts and accessories in the Computer Village market then give up finding them elsewhere in Nigeria.

Usually, when you arrive at the market, you get welcomed by street guys/hustlers saying  “You Wan Buy, You Wan Sell or You Wan Swap” in Nigeria Pidgin (Do you want to Buy, Sell or Trade your gadgets for a New one). Subjectively, it’s in your best interest to ignore them (except if you know your way around the street).

Interestingly, what I love about the market is that you get your gadgets fixed within a blink as parts are readily available to buy.

Also, it may interest you to know that most of the gadgets, accessories, and parts sold in the market are shipped from China, and a few are from Europe, the US, and other quality standard-maintained countries. the reason is simple “Cost”

If you are fixing your gadget in the market always have two categories of parts in mind, Fake and Original. Let’s say you want to fix a Samsung S20 screen, or even replace a  laptop battery. Always ensure you go to reputable stores and technicians to get the best quality for your money.

 

 

Abattoir Market

 With several places where meat sales are carried out in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole, The Abattoir Market remains the flag bearer when it comes to meat slaughter and sales, in fact, you can call it the slaughterhouse of Lagos, as a greater percentage of meat sold and consumed in Lagos comes through the prominent Abattoir meat market.

The market’s source of meat is mostly from cows, Rams, and goats reared and transported from the Northern part of Nigeria by the Fulani And Hausa. Apart from the meat sales, Abattoir Market serves the general public who want their animal processed for their party, consumption, and sales. All needed is to engage the service of the slaughter men and boom your meat is set.

The Abattoir Market is located aound Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos. not too far from the Abule Egba area of Lagos.

 

 

Ile -Epo Market

Ile Epo market is a lively food items market where Grains, nuts and flour, fresh fruits and vegetables, live stocks and dairy products, oil, and other cooking ingredients are readily available for sale. Also, you get typical Nigerian food items like Iru, Oha, Ofada Banga in various quantities.

The market gives people around the axis of Alimosho and Agbado Oke access to a wide variety of food items, all mothers around this axis know the significance of this market, food items are sold in bulk at a reduced rate.

The markets provide opportunities for small businesses to sell their goods to a large number of customers, Foodstuff traders, and cooked food vendors frequent this market for their food items.

Ile Epo market also serves as a bus stop for people residing around the axis, a very popular motor bus stop where people enter and alight vehicles to various destinations around the city.

The market is located around Oja oba/Abule Egba Area of Lagos, just a few minutes walk from Katangua market mentioned above.

 

In Summary

The list of markets in Lagos can never be complete if these Popular markets are not mentioned. The markets serve a greater deal to the people of Lagos and Nigeria, they are hubs where people come together and socialize.

Aside from being a place to buy items, people come together and interact during hair making/cutting, nail fixing, phone repair, charging, etc. they are known for their salt and their names are self-explanatory to people around the state.