A guide to the Lekki Art and Crafts Market, Lagos

The Lekki Art Market (also known as the Jakande art market and the Oba Elegushi International market) is a cultural melting pot where you can find very interesting pieces of art at bargain prices. It is located off the Lekki-Epe expressway (between the 4th and 5th traffic lights) and I have embedded a google maps link HERE for convenience.

It is tucked away inside the Jakande market and it's easy to miss if you don't know its there.

The market doesn't look like much from outside, but once you enter, it is a well organised collection of stores. Merchants sell all sorts - from leather goods, paintings, rafia work, wood and bronze works, textile, marble carvings to semi-precious stones amongst others.

Most of the items are made by Nigerian artists but you can find things from other West African countries. Assuming the process interests you, craftsmen are usually willing to teach how the items are made.

Things to remember:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, some headwear and carry a bottle of water, it can get quite hot. As we are still smack in the middle of a pandemic, please wear a mask and take your hand sanitiser.

• The best time to go is in the morning, it's cooler and you can usually get better bargains.

• Come ready to bargain, a formula I advice is halving whatever price the merchants tell you and start the haggling from there.

• Don't buy things in a hurry. If you find something interesting, note the number of the shop and come back. Taking your time helps you find more unique items.

• Most stores are electronic transfer friendly so you don't really need cash.

The amount of things you can find here will overwhelm you, but here are some samples:

You are better off parking/being dropped off outside the main market and walking to art market. However, if you decide to drive you will be approached by "area boys" who will ask you for parking fees of about N200 ($0.52), and its best to have a bit of cash for this purpose.

The Eti Osa Local Government/relevant authorities needs to look into improving the state of the market. The road is deplorable (especially in the rainy season). A place that brings traffic (tourists and local) should be easier accessible.

Measures also need to be put in place to regulate the activity of the area boys as they can be quite unruly. A place that generates that scale of commerce should be in better shape. It's a great place to get gifts for friends or find interesting pieces to furnish your space with.

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