If you live in Lagos or you are visiting for the first time, you must have heard about Balogun Market. It is arguably the most popular market for fashion, fabrics, shoes, and bags in Nigeria. Located in the heart of Lagos Island, this market is a sprawling network of streets and high-rise buildings filled with traders from all over West Africa.
Navigating Balogun Market can be overwhelming because it doesn't have a single gate. It is an "open-air" market that spreads across many streets. Whether you are looking for high-quality lace for an "Owambe" or you want to buy wholesale children's clothes, Balogun is the place to be. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to get there, the transport fares to expect, and the landmarks to look out for.
Balogun Market is located within the Lagos Island Local Government Area (LGA). This area is the oldest part of Lagos and serves as the central business district. The terrain is a mix of old colonial-style buildings and modern skyscrapers.
The market area is bordered by Marina to the south, Broad Street, and the popular Idumota Market to the north. Because it is on an island, it is surrounded by the Lagos Lagoon. The streets are usually very crowded, so most people prefer to trek once they "drop" at the main bus stops.
Getting to Balogun Market is easy because almost every major bus park in Lagos has a bus going to "Lagos Island" or "CMS." Depending on where you are coming from, you can enter a bus, take a BRT, or even use a ferry.
If you are coming from Ikeja or Berger, your best bet is to find a bus going to **CMS** or **Obalende**. Most buses will pass through the Third Mainland Bridge. Once you get to CMS, you can either walk (about 10-15 minutes) or take a short Keke Napep trip into the heart of Balogun.
From Ikorodu, you can take the Blue Line BRT buses directly to CMS. Alternatively, you can use a ferry from Ikorodu Terminal to CMS/Marina jetty. This is often faster as it avoids the heavy traffic on the road.
If you are on the Island side already, enter a bus going to **CMS** or **Obalende**. Drop at the final stop and follow the crowd towards the market area. You can also use the "Eko Bridge" route if you are coming from the Surulere axis.
Please note that transport fares in Lagos change depending on the time of day, rain, or fuel prices. Below is a range of what you might pay:
| Route | Transport Mode | Fare Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Ikeja to CMS | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦800 - ₦1,200 |
| Berger to CMS | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦1,000 - ₦1,500 |
| Ikorodu to CMS | BRT Bus | ₦700 - ₦1,000 |
| Ajah to CMS | Yellow Bus / Coaster | ₦1,000 - ₦1,500 |
| Oshodi to CMS | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦700 - ₦1,000 |
1. **Dress Simple:** Balogun is not the place for fancy jewelry or expensive clothes. Dress in a way that allows you to walk freely.
2. **Hold Your Bag Tight:** Because the market is very crowded, pickpockets are common. Carry your backpack in front of you.
3. **Go Early:** The best time to shop is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM before the sun gets too hot and the crowd becomes unbearable.
4. **Price Around:** Never buy from the first person that calls you. Walk around to compare prices as they vary from shop to shop.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are great, but most people prefer Mondays for new stock. The market is very quiet or closed on Sundays. Q: Can I drive my car to Balogun Market?
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