Lagos may be one of Africa’s most expensive cities, but real Lagosians know there are still hidden places where you can shop for affordable items. Truth is, it’s the worst time to be an adult, the good old days are gone, and many Nigerians now joke that they may hit 50 before affording even a tokunbo car.
If you live in Lagos (sorry for the laugh), the megacity of hustle, bustle,and expenses, you already know what it means to feel “rich” one minute and broke the next. Yet, as expensive as life here can be, there are still places where you can find household items, for cheap, if you know where to look and how to bargain.
Instead of relying solely on high-end malls and supermarkets, it’s time to go to the open markets, where you can price goods properly until you and the seller find a middle ground. These markets offer daily essentials, from clothing to electronics, and household items. You’ll also find both brand-new products and fairly used (tokunbo) items at a fraction of what you’d pay in retail stores.
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10 Lagos Markets Where You Can Buy Cheap Household Items
1. Odolowu Warehouse – Ijesha, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway
Odolowu is one of Lagos’s biggest markets for fairly used household goods. They stock almost everything for the home, from furniture and mattresses to generators, fridges, toys, and kitchenware. Many traders also sell imported groceries from the UK. It is perfect for individuals or families setting up or upgrading their homes.
@theafricanvo2 Warehouse to get Gas Cookers, Generators, Standing Fans and Bicycles in LAGOS 📍 Odolowu Warehouse Ijesha cele Expressway way Lagos.
2. Arena Market – Oshodi
Arena Market offers a wide variety of fairly used household items, from TVs, fridges, air conditioners, and kitchen gadgets. Beyond appliances, the market also has large clothing and textile sections, plus affordable home décor like curtains and bedsheets. P.S.: Buyers just need to test appliances before purchase.
@theonlyemiliaa Have you been to Arena Market in Oshodi? 🤩 📍Agege Motor Road, Oshodi. The shopping complex comprises of different items sold in various sections of the market ranging from food stuff, clothings & accessories, home appliances, jewelleries etc. If you want to start up a business in fashion wears and accessories, you can check out this market for that.🙂 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #fyp #mile12market #recommendationsforyou #lagosliving #lifestyleliving #foodblogger #whattodoinlagos #weekendplans #foodcontentcreator #marketreview #foodstuffinlagos #arenamarket ♬ Powerful songs like action movie music – Tansa
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3. Lawanson Market – Surulere
Lawanson connects Mushin, Surulere, and Ojuelegba. It’s popular for gas cookers, ovens, blenders, and fairly used home appliances. You’ll also find cookware, fans, vacuum cleaners, and other essentials. For practical home supplies at half the price, Lawanson is a top pick.
4. Westminster, Alaba International Market – Ojo
Alaba is West Africa’s largest electronics market, and its Westminster section is loaded with fairly used household appliances like refrigerators, TVs, blenders, kettles, and generators. It’s the place for home items at bargain prices.
5. Dosumu Market – Lagos Island
Dosumu is a hotspot for everyday home basics and party souvenirs. You’ll find pots, cutlery, cleaning supplies, mats, and children’s toys. Event planners often buy bulk party packs here for weddings and birthdays. This market doubles for both household items and souvenirs.
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6. Iponri Market – Surulere
Iponri specializes in household décor, plastics, utensils, and party supplies. Here, you’ll find interior decorations, baby products, gift items, and fabric accessories. It’s a favourite for people looking to add personality, like an aesthetic vibe, to their homes without overspending.
7. Holloway Market – Marina, Lagos Island
This market is located within the popular Eko Market. It is the go-to place for cookware and kitchen utensils. From stainless steel pots and pans to plasticware and baking tins, it caters mainly to households in need of durable kitchen supplies rather than electronics.