Top 10 Lagos Markets Where You Can Buy Cheap Home Items

A Lagos market vendor proudly displaying rows of colorful plastic chairs, storage bins, and kitchen utensils—typical affordable home items found in local markets."

Furnishing a home in Lagos doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Across the city, from the mainland to the island, there are vibrant markets where everyday Nigerians, students, young families, landlords, and small business owners find everything they need for daily living at prices that won’t break the bank.

These aren’t just places to shop; they’re hubs of hustle, history, and smart bargaining where quality household goods meet affordability. If you’re tired of overpaying at supermarkets or online stores, here are ten markets where you can stretch your naira without sacrificing durability or function.

1. Oshodi Market

Oshodi Market remains one of Lagos’s most reliable spots for inexpensive household essentials. Tucked among its sprawling alleys are numerous vendors selling plastic buckets, laundry basins, dustbins, brooms, mops, and kitchen utensils, often sourced directly from local manufacturers.

Because it operates largely as a wholesale hub, you can save even more by buying in bulk. For the best experience, aim to visit on a Tuesday or Thursday morning when the crowds are thinner and sellers are more willing to negotiate before the weekend rush begins.

2. Balogun Market

Just a short ride away on Lagos Island, Balogun Market offers more than just fabrics and fashion. Hidden in its labyrinth of stalls are sections dedicated to home textiles like towels, curtains, and bed sheets, alongside cleaning supplies and basic kitchenware such as colanders and aluminum pots.

While it’s bustling with tourists and traders alike, midweek visits, especially on Wednesday, tend to be calmer, giving you room to explore and haggle without the usual weekend frenz.

3. Mile 12 Market

Over in Kosofe, Mile 12 Market stands out as one of the city’s largest open-air markets and a true one-stop shop for home needs. Whether you’re looking for an ironing board, a sturdy laundry basin, plastic storage containers, a gas cooker, or even a second-hand but fully functional refrigerator, you’ll likely find it here.

The market is neatly divided into sections, making it easier to navigate once you know where to go. Mondays and Friday mornings are ideal times to visit, as fresh stock often arrives early in the week, and Friday deals can be surprisingly generous if you get there before noon.

4. Computer Village, Ikeja

Many people associate Computer Village in Ikeja with phones and laptops, but savvy shoppers know it’s also a goldmine for affordable home electronics. From energy-saving LED bulbs and rechargeable reading lamps to electric kettles, blenders, and extension cords, dozens of shops now cater to everyday household needs.

The best part? You can usually test items before buying, and some even offer short-term warranties. Saturdays are the liveliest and most competitive time to shop, as stores are fully stocked and you can easily compare prices across multiple vendors.

5. Oyingbo Market

On the Mainland, Oyingbo Market blends tradition with practicality. Here, you’ll find a mix of locally crafted and imported kitchenware, including aluminum pots, grinding stones, mortar and pestles, plastic trays, and woven baskets that double as stylish storage.

These items are built to last, often using time-tested materials that withstand daily use. Tuesdays tend to be the quietest and most relaxed days to visit, giving you the chance to chat with vendors and secure better prices without the usual hustle.

6. Ikeja City Mall (ICM)

If you prefer a cleaner, more organized shopping environment, the basement level and surrounding shops of Ikeja City Mall (ICM) might be your best bet. Though not a traditional “market,” this space is packed with budget-friendly home organization products, think storage boxes, hangers, shoe racks, and kitchen organizers, all neatly displayed in air-conditioned comfort.

Weekday afternoons are perfect for a stress-free visit, as foot traffic is lighter and sales staff have more time to assist you.

7. Tejuosho Market, Yaba

Tejuosho Market in Yaba is legendary for its durable plastic furniture chairs, tables, stools, and other household staples like laundry baskets, buckets, and children’s bathtubs. The goods here are designed to endure Lagos’s tough climate, from scorching sun to sudden downpours, and many locals swear by their longevity.

For a smoother experience, go on a Wednesday or Saturday before noon, when the stock is fresh and the crowd is still manageable.

8. Ejigbo Market

Ejigbo Market offers a more local, less touristy vibe, making it a hidden gem for those in the know. Vendors here sell reliable cleaning tools like brooms and mops, basic kitchen utensils, and even low-cost home décor items like wall clocks and mirrors.

Because it is less visited by residents from other parts of Lagos, prices often sit lower than in central Lagos markets. Mondays are particularly good for shopping, as many sellers restock over the weekend and are eager to move new inventory.

9. Oluwo Fish Market, Surulere

Don’t let the name fool you, Oluwo Fish Market in Surulere isn’t just about seafood. Just behind the main fish stalls, a cluster of vendors specializes in heavy-duty household items used by buka owners and large families alike.

Think oversized basins, industrial-grade pots, and rugged kitchen tools built for constant use. These are the kinds of items that last for years, even with daily wear. Thursdays are the sweet spot to visit: the midweek lull has passed, but the weekend chaos hasn’t kicked in yet.

10. Alaba International Market, Ojo

No list of Lagos markets would be complete without Alaba International Market in Ojo. While famous for electronics, Alaba also boasts endless rows of shops selling home appliances like fans, irons, blenders, small fridges, and complete plastic storage sets.

Prices drop significantly the deeper you walk into the market, so don’t settle at the entrance. Friday mornings are ideal many shops offer end-of-week discounts to clear out stock, and you’ll find both new and slightly used items in excellent condition.

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No matter which market you choose, a few simple tips can make your trip more successful. Always go early to beat the heat and the crowds. Bargain politely, starting around 60–70% of the quoted price is standard practice. Take time to inspect items for cracks, loose handles, or faulty wiring. And bring cash; while some vendors now accept mobile payments, cash still opens the door to better deals.

At the end of the day, creating a comfortable home in Lagos isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about knowing where to look. With a little patience and these insider spots, you can furnish your space affordably, sustainably, and with a touch of local flavor. So slip on your walking shoes, grab a reusable bag, and head out. Your next great home find is waiting in one of Lagos’s bustling markets.

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