Lagos may be expensive, but for those who know where to look, there are still pockets of affordability tucked away in its bustling markets.
Keeping a home functional without emptying their pockets takes local know-how.
While the high-end malls and supermarkets showcase the latest appliances and household items, most Lagosians know better than to rely solely on those places.
Instead, they turn to the open markets where bargaining is part of the culture, and prices bend to meet the reality of strained incomes.
These markets have long served as lifelines, offering a mix of brand-new and fairly used goods to families who need quality but cannot always afford showroom costs.
For many households, fairly used products, also known as tokunbo items imported from Europe and America, have become a practical way of equipping kitchens and living rooms without overspending. A microwave, fan, or washing machine that may be out of reach when new suddenly becomes affordable when bought second-hand.
This is why, despite rising costs across the city, these markets continue to draw crowds daily. From first-time renters setting up their homes to families replacing worn-out appliances, the appeal lies in the possibility of finding both value and functionality in one place.
Below is a list of some of the most popular markets to buy affordable household items.
Arena Market, located in Oshodi, is a well-known market for electronics and household appliances.
Shoppers can find a wide selection of majorly fairly used items ranging from televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners to smaller kitchen gadgets like blenders, kettles, and toasters. These tokunbo appliances cost a fraction of showroom prices, provided they are carefully tested before purchase.
Beyond electronics, Arena has also grown into a popular destination for fashion and textiles. Its clothing section is vast, offering ready-to-wear outfits, shoes, bags, and accessories alongside fabrics and tailoring materials.
Homeowners also frequent the market for soft furnishings such as curtains, bedsheets, and upholstery fabrics, while traders stock up on affordable imports to resell across the city.
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