If you live in Lagos or you just moved to the city, you must have heard about Mile 12 Market. It is popularly known as the "food basket" of Lagos because almost all the foodstuff that enters Lagos from the North and other parts of Nigeria stops here first. Whether you want to buy peppers, onions, yams, or fruits in bulk, Mile 12 is the place to go.
The market is always busy, from the early hours of the morning until late at night. It is a place where retail traders from other markets like Mushin, Oshodi, and Yaba come to buy their goods at wholesale prices. Navigating Mile 12 can be tricky because of the crowd and the heavy trucks, so having a good guide is very important before you set out.
Mile 12 Market is located in the Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) 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 very muddy during the rainy season because of the heavy movement of people and goods.
Mile 12 is bordered by Ketu to the south and Owode Onirin to the north. It is also close to areas like Maidan and Agboyi. Because it is on the main road leading to Ikorodu, it serves as a major transit point for people living in the Ikorodu axis who work on the Lagos Mainland or Island.
Getting to Mile 12 is quite easy because it is a popular landmark. If you are coming from the Island (CMS or Obalende), you can enter a "Direct" bus or take the BRT. If you are coming from the Mainland like Oshodi or Ikeja, you will mostly find buses going towards Ikorodu; just tell the conductor you will "drop" at Mile 12.
For those using private cars or Bolt/Uber, the market is located directly on the Ikorodu Road. However, parking can be very difficult, so most people prefer to use public transport when visiting the main market area.
Transport fares in Lagos change based on the time of day and the weather. Below is a guide to help you budget for your trip to Mile 12.
| Route | Transport Mode | Fare Range (₦) |
|---|
| Oshodi to Mile 12 | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦500 - ₦800 |
| Ikorodu Garage to Mile 12 | BRT/Danfo | ₦400 - ₦600 |
| CMS/Marina to Mile 12 | BRT Bus | ₦700 - ₦1,000 |
| Yaba to Mile 12 | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦600 - ₦900 |
| Berger to Mile 12 | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦500 - ₦700 |
If you want a comfortable journey, these are the best places to board a bus to Mile 12:
1. Hold Your Bag Tight: Mile 12 is very crowded. Pickpockets often operate in the crowd, especially around the pedestrian bridge. Always keep your phone and wallet in your front pocket or hold your bag to your chest.
2. Wear "Market Clothes": Don't wear expensive shoes or long white clothes. The market can be muddy and dusty. Most people wear slippers or rain boots if it is raining.
3. Use the Pedestrian Bridge: The Ikorodu Road is very fast and dangerous. Never try to run across the road; always use the bridge to avoid accidents or being arrested by KAI officials.
4. Go Early: If you want to buy things at the cheapest wholesale prices, reach the market as early as 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM when the trucks are still offloading fresh produce.
It is famous for being the largest wholesale market for foodstuff like pepper, onions, yams, and fruits in Lagos.
Mile 12 is located within the Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
Yes, the market is open every day, but some sections might have fewer traders on Sunday mornings.
Yes, there is a major BRT terminal at Mile 12 that connects commuters to Ikorodu and the Lagos Island.
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