Names Of Aba Markets and their Specialisations

Aba, the commercial city of Abia State known as “Japan of Africa,” is unarguably one of the best cities in Nigeria, blessed with popular markets with different specialisations.

Out of the six most popular Aba markets, the city has numerous markets which also stand out when mentioning the numbers of markets in the country. However, in this article, we will be listing out popular Aba Markets and their area of specialisation.

But before we dive into this article, it is best to let you know that Aba under the present administration of Governor Alex Otti is rapidly gaining back its lost glory after several years of abandonment by the successive government.

Aba markets are not left out as roads leading to the markets have been duly reconstructed, making it accessible for traders.

Names Of Aba Markets and their Specialisations

1. Ariaria International Market

Ariaria International Market is located in Aba, the popular market covered a huge portion of which its position included in Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma LGAs, in Abia State and that is how big the market is.

Ariaria International Market Specialisation:

It specializes in large-scale shoe and leather-goods manufacturing (shoes, bags, belts) — the market is often called the “Japan of Africa” because of its manufacturing versatility.

Garments, ready-made clothing, textiles, bags and other locally made goods for both domestic sale and export.

Ariaria International Market Aba is huge, and supports a large number of traders and artisans, which is also important to note that the market is being demarcated by lines.

So, if you are into sourcing footwear, leather goods or garments from the region, Ariaria International Market Aba is a go-to.

2. Ekeoha Shopping Centre (popularly known as Shopping Centre Market)

While Ariaria International Market Aba has the largest landmass, Ekeoha Shopping Centre (popularly known as Shopping Centre Market) is another Aba markets that rings a bell.

Located near the Aba Town Hall, Aba South LGA. Shopping Center is one of the older and more organised market complexes in Aba.

Specialisations of Ekeoha Shopping Center:

The market is known for rich Textiles & fabrics: lace materials, suit materials, shirt materials, traditional /cultural fabrics.

Electronics / electricals: various appliances, accessories, electrical parts and electronic repairs.

Not just of textiles and fabrics, the market has fashion designers on standby, fashion accessories, jewellery, cosmetics: one-stop for many such items.

ALSO READ: What Is The Best Business To Do In Aba? Check Out These 5 Best Business Ideas

While the market is a go-to for wholesalers/retailers in fabrics, fashion and electronics, It is important to note that it’s currently undergoing a remodeling-upgrade by the Abia State Government to bring it to more modern standards.

3. Ahia Ohuru (New Market)

Abia Ohuru, which simply translates to New Market is never left out when mentioning names of markets in Aba.

Located along Ngwa Road in Aba South LGA. Ahia Ohuru is an extraordinary market that has its own different specialty.

Ahia Ohuru (New Market) Specialisation:

The market has a broad mix of goods: used clothes (often imported “Okirika”), fashion accessories, household items, and already made clothes (emejiaka).

The market is also known hub for foodstuffs and everyday items, food items, groceries are found here.

It’s important to note that Ahia Ohuru is more of a general-purpose market compared to the highly specialised ones above; great for sourcing a variety of goods, especially if you are buying for resale.

4. Eziukwu (Cemetery) Market (popularly known as Cemetery Market)

Cemetery Market is located in Eziukwu Village, Aba South LGA. The market has a long history which is why it is named “Cemetery Market” because of its proximity to a cemetery.

Eziukwu (Cemetery) Market Specialisation:

Cemetery Market is largely known for Beverages, food-stuff, bulk items: e.g., stockfish, groceries, kitchen utensils.

The market can be categorized as a general household goods and various imported items in wholesale and retail.

5. Alaoji Motor Parts Market (Alaoji Motor Spare Parts/Auto-parts market)

Alaoji market is one of the Aba Markets, located along the Aba–Port Harcourt expressway / Alaoji junction. The market is outside central Aba but always part of the greater Aba trading ecosystem.

Alaoji Motor Parts Market Primary specialisations:

Automotive parts (new & fairly-used), tyres, batteries, engine parts — wholesale & retail for mechanics and spare-parts traders.

Secondary trades: Vehicle repair services, mechanic workshops, spare-parts trading logistics.

6. Uratta Timber/Timber market (Uratta area)

Timber market is located in Uratta area.

Primary specialisations: Timber and building materials.

Secondary trades: Carpentry & joinery services, building hardware and construction-related retail.

Conclusion

Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, has always had a rich history of commerce, and it is important to note that every of its markets has different specialisations.

The city known as Enyimba also has one of the most successful football clubs in Nigeria, Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

Pro Tips for visitors:

Markets in Aba open early (8:AM) is the official opening hours and closes by 5:PM, however, on Tuesdays, the market opens early as traders make the early sales. So, arrive early (morning) especially for the best picks and less congestion.

The traders are friendly and always ready to build customer based. If you are sourcing for resale, it is advisable to build relationships with traders/artisans and verify goods (especially in markets flagged for counterfeit risks).

If you are buying bulk goods or manufacturing items (like in Ariaria), check for lead-time, materials quality, and consistency.

Some of the traders are always ready to send out waybills to their customers, however, if it is your first time visiting, using proper transport/logistics is a key to a happy trade.

Thank you for taking your time to read this article and we will update it in the near future.