If you are on the hunt for a lively spot in Nigeria where creativity spills over and culture shines bright, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market in Lagos is a destination you cannot overlook.

Tucked away on Oba Elegushi Street, just off the Lekki Epe Expressway between the fourth and fifth roundabouts, this open air market is a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s artistic flair.

Known by locals as Jakande Market or Oba Elegushi International Market, it stands as one of the country’s largest art hubs, brimming with handmade treasures from across Nigeria and West Africa.

Whether you are a Lagos resident looking for a unique gift or a visitor eager to dive into Nigeria’s rich heritage, this market has something to catch your eye.

From bold paintings to intricate sculptures, dazzling jewellery to eye catching fabrics, it is a place where artisans pour their hearts into every piece. This guide takes you through its roots, what you can find, and why it is a must visit spot in Lagos that keeps drawing crowds year after year.

A Glimpse into Its Roots

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market does not come with a neatly dated start, but its story ties into Nigeria’s growing art scene and Lekki’s boom as a modern suburb. It sprouted near the Jakande Housing Estate, a project from the late 1970s under Governor Lateef Jakande’s push to house Lagosians affordably, giving it one of its nicknames.

Over time, what began as a small gathering of artisans turned into a full blown market, thanks to the area’s growth and the influence of the Oba Elegushi family, local royalty who lent their name to the street.

By the 2000s, it had cemented itself as a top spot for authentic crafts at prices that beat city boutiques, pulling in everyone from locals to tourists. Even big names like American rapper J Cole popped by in 2017, adding a sprinkle of global fame to its reputation. Today, it is a proud symbol of Nigeria’s artistic hustle, blending tradition with the buzz of modern Lagos life.

Where You Will Find It

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market sits right in the heart of Lekki Peninsula, a fast expanding corner of Lagos State that is just a hop from the city’s core. You will spot it on Oba Elegushi Street, a turn off the Lekki Epe Expressway, nestled snugly between the fourth and fifth roundabouts if you are rolling in from Victoria Island. It is about 9 kilometres from VI and a bridge away from Ikoyi, making it a handy stop for anyone in Lagos’s urban sprawl.

Getting there is no big wahala—mainlanders can grab a bus from Oshodi or Yaba to CMS for around 500 naira, then switch to one heading for Lekki or Ajah, hopping off at Chevron bus stop for another 300 naira.

A quick keke or okada ride from there to Oba Elegushi Street costs 200 naira, or you can stretch your legs with a 10 minute walk. Drivers can glide down Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue from VI, cross the Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge, and cruise the expressway until the turnoff, though watch out for potholes that turn muddy when rain pours.

What Awaits You

Step into Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and you are met with a burst of colour that hits all your senses at once. Bright fabrics flutter, and wooden carvings and metal sculptures sparkle in the sunlight. Unlike some chaotic Lagos markets, this one keeps things tidy with numbered stalls, making it easy to wander without losing your way. You will find paintings that pop with bold strokes. Some capture Nigeria’s rolling landscapes or quiet village scenes, while others buzz with the energy of city life.

Sculptures range from small wooden figures of drummers or kings to grand pieces echoing ancient Benin bronzes, each telling a story of Nigeria’s past. Jewellery shines too—think beaded necklaces, coral bangles, and glass earrings, all handmade and ready to add a Nigerian twist to your wardrobe. Fabrics are a standout. Ankara with its wild patterns, adire in deep indigo, and aso oke with a woven shimmer that begs to be turned into a fresh outfit or wrapper.

Furniture lovers will spot gems like carved chairs, stools, and tables, etched with patterns that scream Nigeria’s cultural richness. Smaller crafts catch the eye too—rattan baskets, leather bags, and quirky keychains, perfect for a quick keepsake or gift. Artisans often work right there, letting you peek at how they shape wood into sculptures or string beads into beauty, sharing the gist behind their craft if you ask.

What You Can Do

This market is not just about grabbing stuff—it is a full experience you can soak up with every step. Wandering the aisles is a treat, with vendors calling out deals and faint local tunes floating around, setting a lively vibe. Haggling is the name of the game—start at half the price they throw at you, flash a smile, and enjoy the banter as you land on a fair deal.

If you time it right, you might catch an artisan mid work—chiselling a sculpture or threading a loom, giving you a front row seat to Nigeria’s creative process. Street food hawkers line the edges, serving up spicy pepper soup, roasted corn, or boli with fish—bring your own suya or puff puff for a picnic twist if you like. Snap pics of the stalls or sketch the scene to spark your own ideas, and chat vendors up for craft tips or juicy Lagos tales to round out your visit.

Why Nigerians Keep Coming Back

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market has a pull that keeps Nigeria’s people hooked, and it is easy to see why. For Lagosians, it is a quick escape from the city’s hustle, offering affordable art just a ride away from home. Families swarm it on weekends or festive seasons like Christmas, hunting gifts or soaking in the vibe with kids running about.

Couples love it for prewedding pics—those ankara backdrops or carved chairs add a Nigerian flair to their shots. Art buffs and collectors dig the range, from everyday trinkets to standout pieces that could grace a gallery, while tourists revel in the authentic feel—cheaper than upscale shops and dripping with character. It is a proud showcase of Nigeria’s talent, a spot where you can feel the country’s creative pulse and support artisans earning their daily bread.

Getting There and Making the Most of It

Reaching the market is straightforward if you know Lagos’s ropes—from Victoria Island, a Bolt or taxi ride to Oba Elegushi Street runs 2000 to 3000 naira, depending on traffic’s mood. Mainland folks can bus from Oshodi to CMS for 500 naira, then to Chevron for 300 naira, wrapping up with a 200 naira keke hop or walk it in 10 minutes if you are feeling fresh. Drivers cruise Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, cross the bridge, and roll down the Lekki Epe Expressway to the turnoff parking, which costs 200 naira, so bring small change.

It runs daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but weekday mornings are quieter if you want space to browse. Cash is king; pack at least 5000 naira for a good haul, though some vendors now take bank transfers, so ask first. Wear light gear and comfy shoes—the potholed road can be a trek, especially when wet.

Why It Counts for Nigeria

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market is more than a shopping stop—it is a lifeline for Nigeria’s artisans, keeping crafts like carving and beadwork alive across generations. It boosts Lagos’s local hustle—vendors thrive, and visitors spend naira on transport, food, and keepsakes, keeping the economy ticking. It is a proud flex, too, showing Nigeria’s creativity to the world. Tourists grab ankara, and celebs like J Cole pop by. Every sale carries a thread of our heritage forward.

Tips to Enjoy Your Trip

Hit the market early at 9 a.m.—the air is cooler, vendors are chatty, and you will dodge the weekend rush. Pack light clothes, sturdy shoes, and 5000 naira cash—some stalls take apps now, but cash rules, and bring water or puff puff, though hawkers sell suya if you run dry. Haggle smart—slash prices in half with a grin, snap pics with a vendor nod, and split with mates to cover more, regrouping over boli to swap finds.

Challenges and Bright Futures

The road in is a mess—potholes flood when it rains, slowing your roll, and while stalls are neat, better signs would guide newbies to the gems faster. Weekends get packed, cash still dominates, but hopes of smoother roads, clear markers, and more card options float around—Nigeria could lift this market higher with a bit of love. It is a work in progress, but the vibe and value keep it worth the trip.

The Wider View

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market is Nigeria’s creative core in Lagos, a place where Yoruba carvings, Edo bronzes, and northern fabrics dance together under one lively roof. As Nigeria marches into 2025, it stands as a beacon of our hustle and heart, holding tradition tight amid the city’s rush, a gift to the world showing what we can craft. From its modest start to its buzzing now, it is a story of creativity, community, and culture that keeps Nigeria shining.