Information
Landmark: Lekki Arts & Crafts MarketCity: Lagos
Country: Nigeria
Continent: Africa
Lekki Arts & Crafts Market, Lagos, Nigeria, Africa
Overview
The Lekki Arts & Crafts Market-locals call it Oba Elegushi International or Jakande Market-buzzes as one of Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest and liveliest marketplaces, with stalls spilling over with bright fabrics and carved wood.Set along the busy Lekki-Epe Expressway, it’s now a go-to spot for locals and visitors eager to explore the vibrant mix of Nigerian art, handmade crafts, and bold fashion prints.The market is a lively hub of African culture, where stalls brim with vibrant fabrics, hand-carved masks, and modern designs that all speak to Nigeria’s rich heritage.At the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market, skilled artisans and local craftsmen display their creations-brightly dyed fabrics, hand-carved masks-inviting visitors to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage up close.You’ll find the market between the 4th and 5th roundabouts on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, roughly a 20‑minute drive from Victoria Island, Lagos, with palm trees lining parts of the road.You can get there quickly by taxi, in your own car, or on the bus with its faint smell of engine oil.Infrastructure: The market sits in a lively open-air setting, where the smell of street food drifts over uneven patches of road.The market buzzes with energy-vendors shouting over the scent of fresh bread-but visitors should tread carefully, as the aging walkways can be uneven.The market doesn’t have many amenities-just a few worn stalls and a coffee cart-but it’s buzzing with energy.You’ll find the market buzzing with colorful stalls, each packed with African arts and crafts, making it a must-stop for anyone who loves authentic, handmade treasures.Among the highlights are art and crafts-wooden sculptures, hand‑carved pieces like figurines, masks, and statues, each carrying the rich texture and stories of Nigerian culture and history.Traditional artifacts include drums that echo with deep, warm tones, hand-shaped pottery, and ornate tribal regalia-each carrying its own piece of cultural history.Paintings: From bold traditional pieces to modern African works, each one captures the rhythm of daily life, the quiet beauty of nature, or the deep pull of spirituality.Fashion Accessories: Beaded Jewelry - bright, hand‑crafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings strung with beads from local makers.Textiles: Locally made fabrics like bright Ankara, hand-dyed adire, and other bold African prints that capture the lively spirit of the continent’s fashion.Leather goods-bags, shoes, belts, and more-often come hand‑stitched by local artisans, with the warm scent of fresh leather still lingering.Home Décor: Handmade Furniture-crafted from warm wood and woven rattan, each piece carries the bold, earthy lines of African design.Decorative items include art pieces-sculptures with smooth marble curves, vivid wall hangings, and other handmade treasures-that bring warmth and character to a home.Other goods include traditional African clothing-agbada with its flowing sleeves, buba tops, and the wraparound iro-worn for lively cultural ceremonies or simply as part of daily dress.At the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market, haggling isn’t just common-it’s part of the thrill, like debating over the price of a carved wooden mask under the warm, bustling canopy.It’s woven into the way people shop, and it can turn a trip to the market into something lively and fun, like catching the scent of fresh bread as you pass a bakery.People bargain to connect with the vendor and work out a fair price, especially when the same hand-carved figurine might cost more here than in a quieter, non-tourist spot.Be ready to haggle for a better price, especially when it comes to art or handmade crafts-don’t be shy about asking for that painted bowl to come down a few dollars.Some stalls take cards, but you’ll want cash in your pocket-especially when a baker waves a warm loaf at you.Safety and security matter-like in any bustling market, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bag and be aware of what’s happening around you.The market’s usually safe, but the crush of people can turn it into easy pickings for a quick grab from an unwatched bag.The market’s quietest hours are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when foot traffic is light and you can hear the rustle of stalls opening-perfect for weekends or public holidays, before the crowds roll in.Just down the road, the Nike Art Gallery bursts with color, displaying an impressive range of Nigerian and African works, from bold textiles to intricate carvings.The National Museum in Lagos offers a vivid glimpse into Nigeria’s rich history and culture, making it a great stop for tourists eager to explore the nation’s heritage-right down to the intricate beadwork in centuries-old artifacts.Freedom Park, on Lagos Island, is a historic landmark that honors Nigeria’s fight for independence, where old prison walls still echo with the stories of that struggle.After wandering through the market’s crowded stalls, it’s the perfect spot to sink into a chair and unwind.Visiting the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market isn’t just a shopping trip-it’s stepping into a swirl of colors, scents, and sounds that wrap you in local culture.It offers a window into Nigerian life, from the beat of a talking drum to the bright patterns woven into handmade cloth, each piece carrying its own story.Visitors can browse hand‑carved trinkets or painted bowls, taking home souvenirs that carry real meaning while chatting with the local artisans who made them.Whether you’re hunting for a silver pendant that catches the light, a one‑of‑a‑kind chair, or vibrant African masks, the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market bursts with pieces that embody the skill and spirit of Nigerian artisans.
