It’s safe to assume that you’re not really familiar with the Surulere neighborhood. That’s why you want to know the best marketplaces to get some particular items.
There’s good and bad news.
The good news is that there are many markets in Surulere that are generalist – you can find most shopping things at these open-air markets. So there’s no need to overthink.
The not-so-great news is that you can easily waste time, effort, and money if you don’t go to the right market for the right items they sell there on the right days of the week.
I’ve been offering local guide services at RHS, so we know most of the markets in Surulere whether it’s for electronics, clothing, souvenirs, foodstuff, etc.
Without wasting time, here’s all we know:
Top 10 Markets in Surulere: Quick Rundown
You will find some particular items at the cheapest prices and in abundance when you go to the market where they are dominantly sold.
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- For ready-to-wear clothes – Tejuosho/Yaba Market
- For fresh produce – Ojuelegba Market
- For used home appliances – Lawanson
- For foodstuff and groceries – Aguda Market
- For food ingredients (small market) – Ijesha Market
- More organized market for foodstuffs but pricey – Census Market
- For home decor, party souvenirs, and children’s supplies – Iponri Market
- Market with good road network – Cele Market
- Abattoir within the market – Idi Araba Market
- Best Place for Meat, Beef, Kpomo, etc protein – Odo Eran Market
Make no mistake; all these markets have shops that sell most other shopping items you might need.
However, during our visit to each of them, we were able to identify the most prominent shopping items peculiar to each market.
Why? Since they are popular, they will be cheaper. So if you have a particular item you want to buy, it’s easier to identify which market in Surulere to visit.
But there are some important things you should know about going, moving around, and exiting each of these markets. Let’s take a look at each.
1. Tejuosho/Yaba Market
Tejuosho Market is one of my favorite spots to shop – it’s a huge, semi-organized market where you can find just about anything!
While it’s known for fabrics, bedding, and clothes, it’s also a great place for hair accessories, cosmetics, and other random goodies.
Even though it’s a bit pricier than other Lagos markets, I love going there because it’s sheltered, so I don’t get jostled around, and I can get most of what I need in one place.
Over time, you can even build good relationships with a lot of the vendors, and they can trust you enough to let you take items home without paying right away! You just send the money after you get home.
The second floor is like an art gallery, with tons of artwork and antiques. You’ll also find ATMs and banks if you need to withdraw cash.
2. Ojuelegba Market
Ojuelegba is not only known as the place where they know Wizkid’s story. The market in this environment is also a solid spot for fresh produce. You’ll have them at cheap prices.
.Ojuelegba Road doesn’t run out of roadside shops that serve residents, there are also mini marts and supermarkets in the area and within the vicinity.
Some supermarkets in Ojuelegba include Sola Supermarket, Dada Ibeji Supermarket, T & B Supermarket, and Winners Supermarket.
3. Lawanson
If you’re looking for good-quality second-hand electronics and home appliances, this market is a great place to check out!
You’ll find everything from fans, AC units, and refrigerators to washing machines, generators, vacuum cleaners, kettles, TVs, gaming consoles, and even outdoor cooking grills.
I was working on a project outside Lagos and needed temperature sensors but couldn’t find them anywhere. To my surprise, I found factory-fitted ones here.
The location is central and easy to reach from places like Cele, Ijesha, Mushin, Surulere, and Ojuelegba.
However, moving around inside can be a bit tricky—the walkways are narrow, and it gets really crowded.
Parking is also a challenge, and traffic in and around the market can be frustrating.
Despite that, this market meets a lot of people’s everyday needs, especially when it comes to affordable electronics and household items.
4. Aguda Market
Aguda Market is your typical neighborhood market – small, simple, and packed with all the essentials.
You can grab fresh groceries, household items, and a bunch of other everyday stuff. It’s not fancy or super modern, but it does the job.
Traffic around here can be a headache because of all the buses and taxis, so whether you’re driving or walking, be ready to navigate through the hustle.
Parking is also somehow, so most people just park on nearby streets and walk in. But inside the market, it’s not too chaotic—stalls are pretty well arranged, and things are somewhat orderly.
You’ll find the market on Enitan Street in Aguda, right across from the Mobil filling station. There’s even a paid parking lot if you don’t want to stress over parking.
It’s also a popular spot for Aboki dollar exchange, so if you need to change money, you’re covered.
Plus, you’ll find people offering services like hairdressing, tailoring, and even tutoring.
It might not be the most modern place, but if you need groceries without going too far, it’s a solid option.
5. Ijesha Market
Ijesha Market isn’t your typical big market. It’s more like a busy roadside trading spot where you can grab fresh food items and basic groceries.
It’s active from morning till late at night, but things really get moving between noon and early evening.
Since the market is right at a bus stop, it’s always buzzing with activity. You’ve got people getting off the yellow Korope buses, others trying to flag one down, and the usual honking and shouting from drivers.
Getting to the market is easy, but the road can be a mess, especially where traffic diverts.
On the plus side, it connects to major routes like Express (leading to Oshodi and Ikeja) and Aguda (leading to the Island), so it’s a convenient stop for quick shopping.
Would I call this a proper market? Not really. It’s more of a trading zone along a busy road.
If you need ingredients for a quick home-cooked meal, it’ll do the job. But on a rainy day? Not the best place to be!
6. Census Market
Census Market is one of the more organized food markets around, but it’s definitely on the pricey side.
If you’re looking for a convenient spot to do some retail shopping, especially for provisions, this place works well.
The foodstuff isn’t the cheapest, but for small-scale shopping, it’s worth it.
I personally love buying my pepper, tomatoes, plantain, eggs, fresh and frozen fish, and even household items like plastics and brooms here.
The market is cleaner and more structured than many others, and in my two years of shopping here, I’ve mostly had great experiences with quality products.
Parking can be a hassle, but thankfully, UBA allows shoppers to use their parking lot across the road, which is a lifesaver. There’s also an ATM nearby in case you need cash.
The market has a solid variety of food items; meat, offals, turkey, chicken, vegetables, fruits, and more. Many sellers now have POS machines, so you don’t always need to carry cash.
However, the stalls are packed closely together, leaving little room to move around.
Some parts even have an unpleasant smell due to how tightly everything is squeezed in.
7. Iponri Market
Iponri Shopping Complex is a busy one-story marketplace with numerous labeled shop blocks.
The layout can be a bit confusing due to its similar-looking walkways.
Shops face the main road, but parking is a major challenge – you’ll have to use the nearby estate parking, which comes at a fee.
The market is a great place to shop for household items, party souvenirs, school supplies, baby products, and interior decorations.
Prices are generally affordable, and quality products are available. Drinks can also be purchased in bulk.
Parking remains the biggest issue here. Spaces are limited, and entry into the market costs ₦500.
Traders often place car tires on the road to block spots for their customers, refusing to remove them for others.
8. Cele Market
I also know of the small market at Cele Bus Stop.
You can easily get there from Oshodi, and it sits between Oshodi and Mile 2, with several other bus stops along the way.
From Cele, you can branch off into Okota, Ago Palace Way, and other nearby areas.
It’s a busy transit point, so you’ll always find buses heading in different directions and traders selling stuff.
Now, about the bridge; traffic can get really bad in the evenings, but during the day, it’s just a regular Lagos bridge with hawkers selling all sorts of things.
It’s generally safe, but you still need to be cautious, especially late at night. If you’re driving, it’s best to keep your windows up and your valuables out of sight, especially if you’re alone.
This route connects you to Okota, Ago Palace Way, Isolo, and even back toward Ijesha and Surulere.
It’s a major link road, so if you’re moving around that axis, you’ll probably pass through Cele at some point.
9. Idi Araba Market
This market is one of those lively, no-stress places where you can get fresh beef straight from the abattoir and all the foodstuff you need.
Whether it’s meat, veggies, or ingredients for any kind of soup, you’ll find it here.
It’s not the most organized market, but if you don’t mind asking around, you’ll find your way.
The market sits between Idi-Araba and Mushin, and it’s a mix of neat and not-so-neat areas.
Some sections look well-kept, while others can be a bit rough.
Prices have shot up recently, especially in this Tinubu economy, and trust me, customers are not happy about it. People are always complaining about how things used to be cheaper.
Still, if you’re looking to buy foodstuff in bulk, this is one of the best places to do it.
The abattoir here supplies meat to smaller vendors, so you can get really fresh cuts.
Just a heads-up, when it rains, it gets super messy.
10. Odo Eran Market
Odo Eran Market is in the Itire area of Lagos, especially if you want fresh beef.
Since cows are slaughtered daily, you’re guaranteed fresh meat anytime you visit.
One thing I love about this market is how easy it is to shop.
Everything you need – meat, foodstuff, and other essentials – is all in one place, and you can still haggle for a good price.
It’s also one of the calmer, more peaceful markets in Itire, which makes shopping less stressful.
Plus, despite the fact that cows are slaughtered here (which you’d expect to make the place messy), the market is surprisingly clean.
Tips When Buying Things in Surulere Markets
If you’re used to going to local markets in Lagos, then you can skip this section. You probably already know how to “behave” to get the best deals in the streets.
But if you’re new to buying from local markets, these Surulere Markets can give you a story that will make your friends laugh at you.
Here are a few tricks that every woman who shop in markets would know;
DON’T ACCEPT THE FIRST PRICE
Lagos markets are all about bargaining, and these Surulere markets are no exception.
If a seller says ₦5,000, offer ₦2,500 and work your way up. Act like you’re ready to walk away if the price is too high – it works like magic!
CARRY SMALL CASH
Many traders don’t have change, so bring smaller denominations (₦200, ₦500, ₦1,000). If you flash big money, they might hike the price.
But in markets like Tejuosho and Iponri, most of the traders have POS machines. It’s popular now. So with your ATM card, you’re good to go. (thank you, Godwin Emiefele)
DRESS CASUALLY
You should already know that sellers at the local markets size you up before calling price. This is common for electronics.
Leave the designer outfits and flashy jewelry at home. Looking simple helps you blend in and avoid “oyinbo price” (inflated prices for those who look rich).
ASK MULTIPLE SELLERS BEFORE BUYING
Check different stalls before buying. Some sellers sell the same item for cheaper, and you might even find better quality elsewhere.
GO WITH A FRIEND IF POSSIBLE
Two heads are better than one! A friend can help you bargain, watch your bag, and give opinions on what you’re buying.
WATCH OUT FOR PICKPOCKETS
Hold your bag tight and keep your phone in a safe place. Markets are crowded, and pickpockets love distracted shoppers.
KNOW MARKET DAYS
Some markets have special days when goods are cheaper and more available. Ask around so you can shop on the right day.
Final Take
It’s always fun when you buy stuff from local markets.
Even though you will likely return home feeling to have a shower, nothing beats the satisfaction of buying stuff at cheap prices.
Have you heard of any other local markets in the Surulere neighborhood that we didn’t mention in this guide? Feel free to share in the comments.
Meanwhile, if local markets are not your thing, you can check out the top shopping malls in Surulere.
