A GUIDE TO VISITING LEKKI ARTS & CRAFT MARKET (TIPS & HACKS)

Lekki Arts & Craft (also known as Oba Elegushi International Market or Jakande Art Market) is what I would call a gem that does well to showcase the beauty that is within my country, Nigeria. It is a gem that gets overlooked because of its hidden location. Prepare to get another history lesson as you manure through this unique place. The market consists of well organised mini stores (over 60 stores if not more) that sell pieces from carvings to metal work to corals to painting to pearls and much more.

The market is located on Oba Elegushi Street, Off Lekki-Epe expressway (between 4th and 5th roundabout) which is about a 15-20min journey from Victoria Island. Below is a visual diary of my visit to the Lekki Arts and craft Market. I will also be sharing tips and contacts of stores that impressed me so read on:

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A snapshot of a row of stores at the very well organised market

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One of my favourite stores “Alara Collections” (Store D6 & D19) with unique home craft pieces. Contact: 0803 6578603

 

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Custom furniture anyone?
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Affordable gem stones anyone?

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ART!

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IMG_5624 2If you are interested in Ambar, Shebra Beads, Chevron Beads, PEARLS (real) and even leather bags, go to “Nura Bala” at Shop D9 (This gentleman is amazing and he will give you a great deal – show him this pic to seal the deal). Contact: 0802 618 2073


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My travel companions and I

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TIPS FOR SURVIVING AND WINNING BIG AT LEKKI ARTS & CRAFT MARKET

🚨*TIP 1* Don’t buy from the first shop you visit (Window Shop First). Stores are well labelled so easy to find in case you want to return.
 
🚨*TIP 2* Prepare to bargain heavily (I always try to start my bid at 25% of the sellers first price).
 
🚨*TIP 3* Don’t feel pressured to buy anything (especially if you have a few days in Lagos and you can visit again). Simply collect the vendors information for future visit.
 
🚨*TIP 4* Pretend to be a local and tell the vendor that Nigeria is home so they have to give you a non-touristy price.
 
🚨*TIP 5* Wear a hat and ensure you have water for hydration as it can very hot.
 
🚨*TIP 6* Avoid going at weekends if you can
 
Do you know of other hidden gems like this Lekki Market in Lagos? Share below

11 Comments

  • Reply
    Omolayo Nkem
    August 18, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Reading this as I head to Lekki Market!! Was trying to know is it was also called Jakande, lol. Thanks so much. And gorgeous pictures!!

    • Reply
      Funke Ogunkoya
      August 18, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      It is located near Jakande so I could imagine it is called so too. Hope you enjoy the market! Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by 🙂

  • Reply
    Eseoghene
    December 27, 2017 at 8:15 am

    Hi Sasssy Funke, I stumbled on your blog whilst trying to see info on arts and crafts market. I have a project I am working on for African artisans and I will like to work with you. Can I have your contact or can you contact me via my email. Thank you!

    • Reply
      #SassyFunke
      December 29, 2017 at 8:52 am

      Hello Eseoghene, Sure you can contact me via sassyfunke@gmail.com. I look forward to your email.

  • Reply
    Nnenna
    December 30, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Great piece. Would you say you can find similar items in Lekki like what is at Nike Art Gallery (but less costly)?

    • Reply
      joshua
      May 8, 2018 at 9:28 pm

      Yeah… I’m an artist who does paintings and major on batik and tie and dyes textile works… Send a mail to me on aojoshua303@gmail.com or whatsapp me on 08061118092

    • Reply
      #SassyFunke
      May 21, 2018 at 10:46 am

      Hello Nnenna, Apologies. This is coming late and I am sure you have your answer already.

      Thank you for the compliment. I will say they are very different in their own unique way. Nike Art Gallery features many prominent and talented artistry in comparison to Lekki Art Market. But I would say Lekki Art Market has a greater range in terms of different items for purchase e.g. bags, pearls, paintings, furniture.

  • Reply
    Linda
    June 12, 2018 at 12:45 pm

    Hi sassy, I enjoyed reading your column. Thanks for the info, please could share approximately how much are the crafts. Especially jewelry(necklaces, bracelets and rings for ladies), it will help me when I visit the market. Thanks in advance

    • Reply
      #SassyFunke
      June 12, 2018 at 2:16 pm

      Hello Linda, thank you for reading. And I am very glad you enjoyed it. Pricing for the crafts is difficult as you know a market seller can sell a something for N1000 today and N10,000 tomorrow. Also depending on what the specific item is. As a rule of thumb though, I would avoid paying more than 50% of the asking price (this is arbitrary but helps me with my negotiation). Also a great trick is to also never buy during your first visit to the shop. Walk around, visit a few more shops and then go back. I hope that helps.

  • Reply
    Donia
    October 13, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    Very nice. I m interested on having more artisans contacts. We organise a bazar here in Benin (Cotonou).

    • Reply
      #SassyFunke
      October 29, 2018 at 5:59 am

      Thank you lovely. Perhaps you should do a short visit to Nigeria. Its a great way to build relationships and get people interested in your bazar

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