Best Markets for Holiday Shopping in Nigeria

The festive season is here, bringing with it the excitement of holiday shopping. However, the rush to buy gifts, decorations, and essentials can be overwhelming.

To help you navigate the shopping frenzy, here are ten of the top markets in Nigeria to find great deals this holiday season:

Alaba International Market, Lagos
Even if you’ve never visited Alaba International Market, you’ve likely heard of it in Nollywood movie trailers. Known as the hub for all things electronics and Nollywood-related, this market is the ideal place to buy appliances—whether you're upgrading your own or purchasing gifts.

Kasuwar Kwari, Kano
If you’re in Kano, Kasuwar Kwari is the go-to market for clothing and fabrics. For years, buyers from across Nigeria and West Africa have flocked here to purchase high-quality, handmade tie-and-dye fabrics at affordable prices.

Zaki Biam Yam Market, Benue
Benue State, known as the "Food Basket of the Nation," is home to the famous Zaki Biam Yam Market. This market is the largest supplier of top-quality yams in Nigeria, with farmers selling directly to buyers. It's common to find yams of impressive sizes here.

Oil Mill Market, Port Harcourt, Rivers
A bustling weekly market, Oil Mill Market in Port Harcourt is a favorite among shoppers looking for affordable foodstuffs. Besides groceries, the market also offers thrift clothing and other household essentials at budget-friendly prices.

Bodija Market, Ibadan, Oyo
Bodija Market is the go-to spot in Ibadan for purchasing foodstuffs, whether in bulk or retail. It offers a vast selection of groceries, seafood, and different types of meat, making it one of the most popular markets in the city.

Ariaria Market, Aba, Abia
Whenever you hear "Made in Aba," there's a high chance the item originated from Ariaria Market. This bustling market is known for its locally made shoes, bags, and other leather goods. If high-end luxury brands are out of reach, affordable replicas and high-quality Nigerian-made alternatives offer great value for money.

Balogun Market, Marina, Lagos
Situated in the heart of Lagos, Balogun Market is one of the most visited shopping destinations in the state and possibly the country. It is a prime spot for sourcing imported fabrics from around the world. Bargaining is essential here—you never know what kind of deal you might land.

Onitsha Market, Anambra
One of the largest markets in Nigeria, Onitsha Market is a major hub for imported goods, second-hand clothing, jewelry, and even industrial equipment. Spanning a vast land area, it offers an extensive variety of products, making it a go-to destination for wholesale and retail shoppers.

Abubakar Mahmud Gumi Market, Kaduna
Also known as Kaduna Central Market, this is the largest and most prominent market in Kaduna State. With countless stalls and shops, it provides a one-stop shopping experience for everything from food and groceries to clothing and electronics, making it an excellent holiday shopping spot.

Gbagi Market, Ibadan, Oyo
One of the best-kept secrets for fabric shopping, Gbagi Market—later renamed Bola-Ige International Market—is among the largest markets in Nigeria. Located along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, near Ibadan International Airport, it is a prime location for purchasing textiles and fashion items at competitive prices. Apart from fabrics, other items sold at the market include shoes, bags, and jewellery.