Tejuosho Market History: From Old Market to Modern Complex

Ask anyone who grew up on the Lagos Mainland about Tejuosho and you will hear stories of bargains, crowds and shopping trips with parents. The market has changed a lot over the years, from a bustling conventional market to today's Main Tejuosho Shopping Complex. Here is a short history.

The old Tejuosho Market

Before its reconstruction, Tejuosho was a conventional market in Yaba, popular with middle-income shoppers for goods sold at cut prices. Its location, close to Ojuelegba and Yaba's transport links, made it one of the busiest trading spots on the Mainland.

The fire

A fire destroyed most of the old market. It was a major loss for the traders whose shops and goods were in the market, and it set the stage for a complete rebuild.

A public-private rebuild

The market was rebuilt through a public-private partnership between the Lagos State Government, Stormberg Engineering Limited and First Bank of Nigeria. The plan was to replace the old market with a modern "mega shopping plaza", part of a broader push to modernise Lagos infrastructure.

The new market was built in phases (Phase I and Phase II), with a multi-storey structure, the distinctive arched facade you see today, and permanent numbered shop units.

Commissioning in 2014

News reports from August 2014 covered the commissioning of the new Tejuosho Shopping Complex by the Lagos State Government. The rebuild was not without controversy. Some former traders said the new shop prices were too high for smaller operators, and that debate featured in coverage at the time.

Tejuosho today

Today the Main Tejuosho Shopping Complex is home to hundreds of shops selling fabrics and lace, fashion, shoes and bags, jewellery, phones, home appliances and much more. It remains one of the best-known shopping destinations in Yaba.

• See what to buy at Tejuosho
• Find the address, directions and opening hours
• Search traders in the online shop directory

Sources

This history draws on public reporting, including the Wikipedia entry on Tejuosho Market and Nigerian press coverage of the rebuild and commissioning. If you have photos or memories of the old market, we would love to hear from you; get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

When was the new Tejuosho Market commissioned?

Contemporary news reports from August 2014 describe the commissioning of the rebuilt Tejuosho Shopping Complex by the Lagos State Government.

Who rebuilt Tejuosho Market?

The market was rebuilt through a public-private partnership involving the Lagos State Government, Stormberg Engineering Limited and First Bank of Nigeria.

Where is Tejuosho Market?

Tejuosho Market is on Ojuelegba-Itire Road in Yaba, on the Lagos Mainland.