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Idumota Market, Location, Market Days, Parks and Shipments, Hotels

4 min read
Idumota Market, Location, Market Days, Parks and Shipments, Hotels

Explore Idumota Market, Lagos Island’s historic hub for music, movies, and electronics. Our guide covers its location, top products, shipping tips, and nearby hotels for your visit.

Idumota Market is more than just a bustling commercial center; it’s a cultural landmark on Lagos Island. Renowned as one of the oldest markets in Lagos, it holds a special place as the go-to destination for music albums, video films (Nollywood), and a vast array of electronics. This market is a vibrant, chaotic, and essential experience for anyone looking to understand the commercial heart of Lagos.

A Glimpse into History and Culture

Idumota’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of Lagos. The area was previously known for the “Soja Idumota,” a cenotaph built in remembrance of Nigerian soldiers who served with the West African Frontier Force. While the market itself has evolved, its legacy as a historic trading post endures.

Cultural landmarks like the Eyo masquerade, which occasionally appears for festivals, and older structures in the vicinity speak to the age and significance of this area, long before it became the commercial powerhouse it is today.

Location: How to Find Idumota Market in Lagos

Idumota Market is centrally located on Lagos Island, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

  • Primary Address: The market is centered around Bankole Street and spills into numerous adjoining streets on Lagos Island, Nigeria.

  • Key Landmarks: It is situated less than a kilometer from the UBA head office and is surrounded by major roads and landmarks, including:

    • Adeniji Adele Road

    • Customs Street

    • Broad Street

    • Tafawa Balewa Square

  • Getting There: The most convenient ways to reach Idumota are via ride-hailing services (like Uber or Bolt) or public buses (danfo) heading to Lagos Island.

What to Buy: A Treasure Trove of Goods

While Idumota Market is famously the epicenter for Nigerian music and movies (selling CDs, DVDs, and digital content), its product range is vast and diverse.

Key product categories include:

  • Music & Movies (Nollywood): This is the market’s specialty. Find the latest Nigerian music albums, Nollywood films, gospel videos, and international content.

  • Electronics & Computer Accessories: A huge section is dedicated to everything from smartphones and laptops to cables, chargers, and computer components.

  • Jewelry & Accessories: Discover a wide selection of costume jewelry, traditional pieces, and fashion accessories.

  • Clothing & Fabrics: From ready-to-wear garments to beautiful African print fabrics (Ankara).

  • Home & Furniture: Find household goods, kitchenware, and small furniture items.

Market Days and Opening Hours

Idumota Market is a daily commercial hub.

  • Operating Days: The market is open every day of the week, including weekends.

  • Peak Times: The busiest days are typically weekdays. The market can become exceptionally crowded on days when new shipments of goods arrive, attracting a surge of wholesalers and retailers.

  • Best Time to Visit: For a slightly less overwhelming experience, aim for weekday mornings.

Logistics: Parking, Shipments, and Transport

Navigating the logistics in Idumota requires some local knowledge.

  • Parking: Parking is extremely limited. The most well-known parking areas near Idumota Market are:

    • First Bank Park

    • UBA Park

    • CBN Park

  • Shipping and Transport: For bulk purchases, the market has an established shipping system.

    1. After buying, you can hire a cart pusher to move your goods.

    2. They will help you transport items to a nearby park or transport agency.

    3. From there, you can book a truck or bus to ship your products anywhere in Nigeria via road. For international shipping, you would engage with freight companies that handle sea and air cargo.

Hotels Near Idumota Market

For business travelers or tourists who want to stay close to the action, here are some hotels near Idumota Market on Lagos Island and in surrounding areas:

  • The Beni Hotels

  • Eko Hotels and Suites (Victoria Island)

  • Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel (Victoria Island)

  • XGarden Hotel and Suites

  • De Rigg Place (Victoria Island)

  • Cariton Hotel Apapa

Essential Tips for Visiting Idumota Market

  1. Bargain Politely: Haggling is expected. Start by negotiating down from the initial price.

  2. Secure Your Belongings: Be mindful of your wallet, phone, and bags in the crowded streets.

  3. Carry Cash: While some larger shops may accept transfers, cash is preferred for most transactions, especially in the smaller stalls.

  4. Go with a Guide (If Possible): If you’re a first-time visitor or a foreigner, going with someone who knows the market can be very helpful.

  5. Verify Product Authenticity: Especially for electronics, carefully check the items before purchase.

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