Yaba Market (Tejuosho)

Yaba Market, commonly known as Tejuosho Market, is one of the largest mainland markets in Lagos, Nigeria, located in the Yaba and Surulere area. Rebuilt as a modern multi-storey complex, it houses thousands of shops selling clothing, shoes, fabrics, bags, electronics, mobile phone accessories, household goods, cosmetics and fresh provisions. In contrast to the open lanes of Lagos Island markets, Tejuosho is organised into blocks and floors with numbered shops, which makes it easier to navigate and slightly more orderly, although it remains very busy. Prices are lower than in malls such as Ikeja City Mall or The Palms, particularly for ready-made clothing and bulk textile purchases. Vendor quality is mixed: there are genuine imported goods and locally made garments alongside many replica fashion items and knock-off electronics, so buyers should test items before paying and avoid assuming that branded labels are authentic. Bargaining is customary, and a reasonable offer is often around half or two thirds of the opening price on clothing and accessories, while packaged and fixed-price goods allow less negotiation. Cash in naira is the most common payment method, with many shops accepting bank transfers and some having point-of-sale terminals; there is no tourist tax refund. The atmosphere is energetic and crowded, especially on weekends and in the run-up to holidays, with shop assistants calling out to passers-by and shoppers moving between floors. Food is available from small restaurants, canteens and street vendors in and around the complex, offering local dishes such as jollof rice, pounded yam, soups and snacks. Yaba itself is a university and technology district, so visitors can pair a market trip with nearby cafes and bookshops. A clear plan of what to buy and a quick comparison of several shops will save time and money.