The Agege market, a key trading centre in Lagos State, is filled with activity every day as traders work from dawn to dusk. Traders described how the market supports their families and forms the core of life in the Agege community.
Agege is a bustling suburb in Lagos with an estimated population of more than 700,000 people. Its market at Pen Cinema is known as a major hub where goods are bought and sold, and it plays a central role in the local economy and daily life.
Activity in Agege market begins early. By 5:00 a.m., the first traders set up their stalls. Women arrive with baskets of vegetables from nearby farms. Men unload trucks with food items and other products. Voices echo through narrow walkways as greetings, bargaining, and prayers mingle with calls for customers.
Many traders live close by in Agege and surrounding neighbourhoods. Walking to the market makes it easier to work long hours and manage their businesses. For some, the market is more than a workplace; it is a social hub where friendships are formed and community life unfolds.
Mrs Yetunde Lawal, known locally as “Mama Risi”, has traded in Agege market for more than 20 years. She said the market feels like a second home. “This is our second home, we spend more time here than in our houses,” she said. “It is where we earn, where we meet people, and where our children grow up.”
For young shoe trader Mr Ayodeji Adegbite, the market offers opportunities to grow a business. He started with a small table and later rented a shop. “It is not easy, but if you are patient, you can grow,” he said.
Traders face daily challenges, including early starts, long hours, and intense competition for customers. Yet many see the market as a source of livelihood and pride. For several families, earnings from the market support household needs and education for children.
The market also serves as a cultural centre. It reflects the spirit of Lagos trade life, where diverse cultures and languages meet, and where commerce and social life go hand in hand.
Agege market is more than a place to buy and sell goods. It shapes the daily reality for thousands of traders. It helps sustain families, supports local commerce, and strengthens community bonds in one of Lagos State’s busiest areas.
As Lagos continues to grow, the future of markets like Agege will be shaped by changes in urban planning, infrastructure, and economic policy. Traders, local leaders, and authorities will need to work together to address challenges while preserving the market’s role in community life.
