Lagos State, the commercial epicenter of Nigeria, is renowned for its energetic lifestyle, bustling streets, and most notably, its sprawling and vibrant markets. These markets are more than places to buy and sell—they are living embodiments of the state’s cultural diversity, economic vitality, and community spirit. From the busy stalls of Balogun Market on Lagos Island to the seafood frenzy in Epe, Lagos markets play a vital role in the daily lives of millions of residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a tourist seeking souvenirs, a local entrepreneur looking for wholesale goods, or a shopper hunting for great deals, Lagos has a market tailored to your needs. In this post, we take a deep dive into the most notable local markets across Lagos State, along with their addresses and unique features.
1. Balogun Market – Lagos Island
Address: Balogun Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State
Balogun Market is arguably the largest and busiest open market in Nigeria. Located on Lagos Island, it is a sprawling maze of shops, stalls, and roadside vendors. The market is known for fashion items including clothes, shoes, jewelry, and traditional fabrics like Ankara and lace.
Because of its central location and variety of goods, Balogun Market draws thousands of shoppers daily. Traders from other parts of Nigeria also flock here for bulk purchases, making it a major distribution hub.
2. Computer Village – Ikeja
Address: Otigba Street, Ikeja, Lagos State
Computer Village is the go-to place in Nigeria for anything related to technology. From smartphones and laptops to software and accessories, this market is a tech-lover’s paradise. Located in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, Computer Village is not just a shopping destination but also a tech ecosystem where repairs, upgrades, and consultations are offered on the spot.
3. Mile 12 Market – Ikorodu Road, Ketu
Address: Ikorodu Road, Ketu, Lagos State
Mile 12 Market is synonymous with wholesale foodstuff. This is one of the largest food markets in Nigeria, especially for perishable goods like tomatoes, onions, peppers, yams, and fruits. Traders from the northern and middle-belt regions transport goods here, making Mile 12 a vital player in the Lagos food supply chain.
If you’re looking for fresh produce in bulk, this market should top your list.
4. Tejuosho Market – Yaba
Address: Tejuosho Street, Yaba, Lagos State
Tejuosho Market is a modern facility compared to many others in Lagos. It has a structured layout with over 2,000 shops in a multi-story building. Located in Yaba, this market offers fashion items, electronics, and home goods. The infrastructure includes air-conditioned stores, security, and parking facilities—making it one of the most comfortable markets in Lagos.
5. Oshodi Market – Oshodi
Address: Oshodi, Lagos State (near Oshodi bus terminal)
Oshodi Market is a massive urban market known for its chaotic energy and wide range of products—from foodstuffs to fabrics and electronics. It is well-known for street hawkers and roadside vendors operating around the bus terminal, serving the working-class population that transits through Oshodi daily.
6. Alaba International Market – Ojo
Address: Alaba Road, Ojo, Lagos State
Alaba International Market is one of the largest electronics markets in West Africa. Located in Ojo, it specializes in electrical appliances, televisions, speakers, and industrial equipment. It also serves as a distribution point for pirated and original Nollywood films, making it influential in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
7. Epe Fish Market – Epe
Address: Marina Road, Epe, Lagos State
This coastal market is famous for its wide variety of fresh seafood. Located in Epe, the market thrives on the daily catch of fish, crabs, snails, and other marine life. It is a go-to place for chefs, restaurateurs, and seafood lovers who want fresh and affordable produce.
8. Aswani Market – Isolo
Address: Isolo, Lagos State (off Cele Bus Stop)
Aswani Market is known for selling affordable clothing, especially second-hand (tokunbo) clothes. The market is most active on Tuesdays, when traders and buyers crowd in from all corners of the city. You can also find shoes, bags, and household goods at bargain prices.
9. Oyingbo Market – Ebute Metta
Address: Oyingbo Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos State
Oyingbo Market is one of the oldest markets in Lagos, known for its wholesale food sales. It has recently been remodeled to include modern infrastructure such as parking, waste disposal, and tiled stalls. Popular items include grains, vegetables, meats, and palm oil.
10. Jankara Market – Lagos Island
Address: Jankara Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State
Jankara is a traditional market specializing in herbs, locally-made soaps, incense, and traditional African medicines. It's also known for clothes, cookware, and party supplies. Jankara retains the ambiance of old Lagos with narrow alleyways and densely packed stalls.
11. Ajah Market – Ajah
Address: Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos State
Ajah Market serves residents of the Lekki and Ajah axis. It is a general-purpose market offering food, clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also has a thriving second-hand goods section and is conveniently located for residents in Lagos’s expanding eastern suburbs.
12. Arena Shopping Complex – Oshodi
Address: Bolade Bus Stop, Oshodi, Lagos State
Located near the military barracks in Oshodi, Arena Shopping Complex is a government-structured market offering electronics, clothes, and household goods. It is highly organized with security and structured parking, offering an alternative to the hustle of Oshodi Market.
13. Ikotun Market – Ikotun
Address: Ikotun Roundabout, Lagos State
Ikotun Market serves as a commercial hub for residents around Egbe, Igando, and Ijegun. It’s a blend of modern and traditional stalls, offering everything from groceries to clothes. The market is especially active during festive seasons and weekends.
14. Lekki Arts and Crafts Market – Lekki
Address: Oba Elegushi International Market Road, Lekki, Lagos State
Also known as Jakande Market, this is a haven for tourists and art lovers. It offers handmade jewelry, wood carvings, traditional drums, paintings, and leather goods. This market is not only a place to shop but also to experience Nigerian culture.
15. Daleko Market – Mushin
Address: Daleko, Mushin, Lagos State
Daleko Market is one of Lagos’s major wholesale foodstuff markets. It is well known for selling rice, beans, oil, and condiments in large quantities. Many traders and restaurants in Lagos rely on this market for supply.
Final Thoughts
Lagos markets are more than economic centers—they are the beating heart of the city. Each market reflects the social dynamics, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people. Whether you’re looking for fresh fish, the latest phone, or traditional fabric, there’s a market in Lagos ready to meet your needs. With careful planning and a bit of street smarts, navigating these markets can be an enriching and rewarding experience.
From the structured elegance of Tejuosho to the sensory overload of Balogun, Lagos’s markets tell the story of a city constantly in motion. If you want to truly experience Lagos, start by exploring its markets.
