In Lagos, Nigeria, there are a number of markets that attract a large number of people for various reasons. Some people flock to these markets to purchase items due to their relatively low prices, while others prefer them for a quality shopping experience. Take, for example, a small-scale retailer based in one of the suburbs, he or she may visit these markets to buy items in bulk from wholesalers to resell at lower prices at a more convenient time and place. If you, as a retailer, deal in GSM products such as SIM packs, mobile phones, GSM recharge cards and accessories, you will naturally visit a market that has a large number of wholesalers dealing in such products. In Lagos, Nigeria, such places include the Computer Village in Ikeja, parts of the Lagos Island Market (Idumota), and one end of Saka Tinubu on Victoria Island. This, of course, is just an example, as there are an unlimited number of products and services that can be traded.
Here is my list of popular markets in Lagos Nigeria and the type of products such markets are traded in;
one. Yaba also known as Tejuosho Market Currently undergoing renovation, it is one of the most modern markets in West Africa with standard facilities and infrastructure. Tejuosho Market is a densely populated market, with thousands of commercial units and tens of thousands of customers who frequent the businesses that reside in the complex on a daily basis. Until 2007, when fire destroyed parts of the market, Tejuosho Market was perhaps the busiest market in Lagos, Nigeria, after Idumota, Balogun, Oshodi, Alaba Market and the seme markets.
two. Alaba International Market. The so-called largest electronics market in Africa, the Alaba International Market is home to the largest electronics distributors in Nigeria. Many of the dealers are major importers and distributors of electrical and electronic appliances such as flat screen televisions, generators, home appliances, especially refrigerators, fans, air conditioners, even DVD games, digital satellite dishes and set-top boxes and many more. The market is a hive of activity every day of the week except Sunday when most of the traders go to church.
3. computer town. Computer Village, as its name suggests, is a market that is mainly dedicated to the purchase and sale of computers, including software and hardware, mobile phones and their accessories. It is home to some of Nigeria’s best phone and computer repairmen, many of whom demonstrate remarkable skills in the management, maintenance, and repair of phones, computer parts, and other related devices. However, there is a downside, this market is also known to house some people of questionable character such as street vendors, pirates, pickpockets and swindlers. However, the market offers many benefits such as affordable prices and quality products, but only when such products are purchased from reputable and authorized dealers.
Four. Idumota. One of the oldest markets in Lagos, Nigeria, this market is the largest market in West Africa and possibly Africa, with tens of thousands of shuttered shops occupying various buildings in the market. The distinctive feature of this market is that it is made up of many multi-story buildings, some of which are 5 or even more stories. Most of the shops are actually apartment rooms converted into shops. The market is so big that from 6 in the morning it is already registering a large volume of transactions.
5. Balogun. Like the Idumota market, the Balogun market is located on the axis of Lagos Island. It is also an old market with many closed shops; however, unlike the Idumota market, it has far fewer multi-story buildings. Parts of this market extend to Marina and Broad Street (two of the busiest streets in the central business district of Lagos, Nigeria).
6. Mile 12. This market is popular for being the hotbed of produce and raw food. In this market you can find any vegetable or fruit that grows in tropical Africa except those that are foreign to Nigerian soil. It is the cheapest market for food, especially vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products.
7. mushin. Mushin Market is a market known for having very cheap items compared to other markets in Lagos, Nigeria. The market is a wholesale and retail market with just about every consumable imaginable available for sale.
8. Oshodi. Known for its bustle and sheer size, Oshodi Market is the second largest market in Nigeria after Idumota Market. Until early 2008, Oshodi was a no-go zone for many pedestrians and motorists, as its streets were so crowded that free movement was almost impossible. That is a thing of the past following the determination of the Lagos state government to rid the state of riot, anarchy and disorder. Raw material prices in this market are also relatively cheap.
9. Onyingbo (white sand). Located on the mainland axis of Yaba along with its sister market in Iddo, this market is a major market as it serves as a transit point between Lagos and various northern states with food products arriving directly from Northern Nigeria via Iddo. Although not as cheap as Ketu Market, Oyingbo Market has a number of affordable products, mainly food and livestock.
10 Alade Market in Ikeja. This market is modern but not as complete as the tejuosho. Several companies operate in this market, mostly corporate services and retail stores, offering services such as travel and tourism services, exchange offices, resale of consumables and even car rental services. Things are relatively expensive due to its location (Allen Avenue) and proximity to the international airport.
