Sallah Rush: Thousands Flock Mile 12 Market for Last-Minute Shopping in Lagos

There was a massive turnout of traders and customers at the Mile 12 International Market in Ikosi-Ketu, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, as residents embarked on last-minute shopping ahead of this year’s Sallah celebrations.

Some traders across various sections of the market told Thenewsnow Online during a visit that customers had besieged the market in droves to purchase different items at cheaper prices since the beginning of the week.

According to traders dealing in foodstuffs, pepper, yam, oil, beverages, and other household items, many residents preferred shopping at Mile 12 Market rather than in their neighbourhoods because of the relatively affordable prices and wider range of options available.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of Mile 12 International Market, Alhaji Shehu Usman Jibril, disclosed that the number of daily visitors to the market had increased from about 7,000 to over 10,000 due to the forthcoming Sallah celebrations.

He added that the prices of perishable items in the market remained moderate despite the rising cost of fuel.

The increase in the number of visitors was also attributed to traders from neighbouring countries and tourists visiting the market.

Alhaji Jibril commended the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems for initiating policies and interventions aimed at improving the quality and affordability of food items across markets in the state.

According to him, the market leadership had successfully managed the heavy human and vehicular traffic around the market to prevent disruptions to socio-economic activities within the area.

Mile 12 International Market, located along the busy Ikorodu Road in the Ikosi-Ketu area of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, is regarded as one of the largest markets for perishable goods in Sub-Saharan Africa.