If you live in Lagos or you just moved to the city, you have probably heard about Mile 12 Market. It is arguably the most famous food market in Nigeria. This is where most of the tomatoes, pepper, onions, and yams coming from the North land before they are shared to other small markets in Lagos. If you want to buy food items in bulk and save money, Mile 12 is the place to go.
Because the market is very big and busy, many people often ask exactly where it is located and how to get there without getting lost. Navigating Mile 12 requires a bit of "street smarts" because of the crowd and the heavy movement of trucks (lorries) and wheelbarrows. In this guide, we will break down the location, the local government area, and the easiest ways to enter a bus to Mile 12.
Mile 12 Market is located in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. It sits right along the popular Ikorodu Road, which is one of the busiest roads in the state. The terrain is mostly flat, but the market area can get quite muddy during the rainy season because of the heavy foot traffic and truck movements.
The market acts as a boundary point between the main Lagos mainland and the outskirts leading towards Ikorodu. It is bordered by Ketu to the south and Owode Onirin to the north. If you are coming from the Island or Oshodi, you will usually pass through Ketu before you reach Mile 12.
The Mile 12 area is divided into several sections. You have the main perishable goods section (where they sell pepper and tomatoes), the yam section, and the grain section. There is also a bridge (the Mile 12 bridge) that helps pedestrians cross the busy Ikorodu Road safely. On one side of the road, you have the market, and on the other side, you have residential areas like Maidan and Agboyi-Ketu.
Transport fares in Lagos change depending on the time of day, the weather, and whether there is fuel scarcity. However, here are the current estimated fare ranges for popular routes leading to Mile 12:
| Route | Transport Mode | Fare Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Oshodi to Mile 12 | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦600 - ₦900 |
| Ikorodu (Garage) to Mile 12 | BRT / Danfo | ₦400 - ₦700 |
| CMS / TBS to Mile 12 | BRT Bus | ₦700 - ₦1,100 |
| Ojota to Mile 12 | Danfo / Keke | ₦300 - ₦500 |
| Yaba to Mile 12 | Danfo |
| ₦700 - ₦1,000 |
If you want to go to Mile 12, there are specific places where you can easily find a bus. These are the most reliable terminals:
1. Dress Simply: Mile 12 is a "rough" market. Do not wear expensive clothes or jewelry. Wear comfortable shoes or boots, especially if it rained recently.
2. Watch Your Pockets: Because the market is very crowded, pickpockets are common. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pocket or hold your bag tightly to your chest.
3. Go Early: The best time to buy fresh food at cheap prices is very early in the morning (between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM) when the trucks are offloading.
4. Use the Pedestrian Bridge: Ikorodu Road is very fast. Do not try to dash across the road; always use the bridge to avoid accidents or being arrested by LASTMA/KAI officials.
Mile 12 Market is located in Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
Yes, there is a major BRT corridor along Ikorodu Road. You can take a BRT from Ikorodu, CMS, or TBS and drop at the Mile 12 bus station.
Yes, the market is open every day of the week, but Sunday mornings might be a bit slower than weekdays.
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