List Of Local Markets In Abia State
Abia State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is known for its strong economy, rich culture, and hardworking people. One of the main things that keeps the state moving is its markets. These markets help many people earn a living and are also the main place where goods are bought and sold in large amounts.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these markets offer everything you need—from food items and clothing to electronics and spare parts. This blog post will guide you through the major local markets in Abia State, with their locations and the kind of goods you can find in each one.
1. Ariaria International Market, Aba
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Location: Faulks Road, Aba
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LGA: Aba North
Ariaria is one of the biggest markets in West Africa. It is often called the “Japan of Africa” because of the many handmade products found here. Traders in this market are skilled in making shoes, clothes, bags, belts, and more.
The market is divided into sections, and each section focuses on different products. If you're looking for affordable but quality-made goods, Ariaria is the place to go. It's also a major source of exported goods from Nigeria.
2. Ahia Ohuru (New Market), Aba
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Location: Ngwa Road, Aba
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LGA: Aba South
Ahia Ohuru, which means “New Market” in Igbo, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Aba. It's mainly known for foodstuffs like tomatoes, onions, peppers, vegetables, rice, yam, and other groceries. You can also find household items, clothes, and second-hand (Okrika) goods.
This market is highly organized and always full of buyers and sellers. It's a great place to shop for daily needs at affordable prices.
3. Cemetery Market, Aba
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Location: Aba-Owerri Road, Aba
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LGA: Aba South
Cemetery Market got its name from being close to an old cemetery. It is a big market that mainly sells food items, including fresh fish, meat, palm oil, fruits, and vegetables.
People from all over Abia State and even other nearby states come here to buy food in bulk. It is one of the cheapest places to buy fresh produce in Aba.
4. Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market Extension), Aba
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Location: Eziukwu Road, Aba
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LGA: Aba South
This market is like an extension of the Cemetery Market. Eziukwu Market is known for its variety. You can find almost everything here—food items, clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and more.
It is well-organized and has different sections for different products. This helps buyers locate what they need quickly.
5. Ngwa Road Market, Aba
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Location: Ngwa Road, Aba
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LGA: Aba South
Ngwa Road Market is one of the oldest markets in Aba. It is mainly a food market, but you can also find fabrics, kitchen utensils, and small electronics. Many traders who sell in other markets buy their goods in bulk here.
It serves many communities around the Aba South area.
6. Ukaegbu Road Market, Ogbor Hill
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Location: Ukaegbu Road, Ogbor Hill, Aba
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LGA: Aba North
Ukaegbu Road Market is a neighborhood market that serves the people of Ogbor Hill and nearby areas. It is a medium-sized market where people can buy fruits, vegetables, groceries, clothing, and other everyday items.
Though it is not as large as Ariaria or Ahia Ohuru, it is very important to the people living in that part of Aba.
7. Ubani Ibeku Modern Market, Umuahia
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Location: Ubani Ibeku, along Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road
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LGA: Umuahia North
Ubani Ibeku Market replaced the old Umuahia Main Market. It is one of the largest markets in the state capital, Umuahia. The market has good space, modern stalls, and better organization than the old market.
It is a general market where people buy and sell foodstuff, clothes, shoes, household items, building materials, and much more.
8. Afor Ibeku Market, Umuahia
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Location: Ibeku area, Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia North
Afor Ibeku is a traditional market that operates fully every four days based on the Igbo calendar. It's a smaller market compared to Ubani Ibeku but still plays a major role in the local economy.
Traders here mainly sell fresh farm produce, such as yams, cassava, vegetables, palm oil, and fruits. You’ll also find traditional herbs and locally made items.
9. Ahiaeke Ndume Market
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Location: Ahiaeke area, Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia North
Ahiaeke Market is a busy market that serves the people in the Ahiaeke and Ndume areas. It is mainly a food market, with stalls for vegetables, garri, yam, spices, and other groceries.
There are also tailors, traders selling household tools, and shops selling clothes and shoes. It is a central market for that part of Umuahia.
10. Nkwoegwu Market
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Location: Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North
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LGA: Umuahia North
Nkwoegwu Market is a rural market that operates mostly on Nkwo market days. It is important to farmers and buyers in the area.
Most of the goods here are farm produce sold directly by the farmers. This makes it a great place to buy fresh items at low prices.
11. Afor Umuahia Market
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Location: Afor area, Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia South
Afor Umuahia Market is another traditional market that follows the four-day Igbo calendar. It is a place where people buy and sell palm oil, vegetables, beans, rice, yam, pepper, and many more.
It’s not as large as urban markets, but it’s very useful for the surrounding rural communities.
12. Ekeoha Market, Aba
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Location: Shopping Centre, Aba
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LGA: Aba South
Ekeoha Market, also called Shopping Centre, is a popular market for clothing and fashion items. Traders here sell ready-made clothes, shoes, school bags, fabrics, lace, jewellery, and other fashion accessories.
It is one of the best markets for fashion lovers and boutique owners. People come from far and wide to buy in bulk.
13. Orie Ugba Market
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Location: Ugba, Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia North
Orie Ugba is a local market that operates every four days. It's small but important to the Ugba community. People sell fruits, vegetables, cooked food, clothes, and other small items.
It’s a good place for locals to buy what they need without traveling far.
14. Ahia Ndume Market
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Location: Ndume area, Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia North
Ahia Ndume is another local market in Umuahia North that caters to daily needs. It's especially known for fresh vegetables, local herbs, and affordable foodstuffs.
Though small in size, it’s active and well-patronized.
15. Afor Isingwu Market
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Location: Isingwu, near Umuahia
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LGA: Umuahia North
Afor Isingwu Market is a rural market that operates every four days. Farmers bring their harvest to sell, and you can get items like yam, garri, okra, pepper, and palm fruits.
It’s a great spot to get local food items directly from the source.
Final Thoughts
Abia State has a strong market culture, and its markets play a big role in the state’s economy. From the world-famous Ariaria Market to small rural markets like Afor Isingwu, each one serves a purpose. These markets are not only places for trade—they are centers of culture, livelihood, and connection among people.
If you’re visiting Abia State or just want to explore new places to shop, this guide gives you a clear picture of where to go. Whether you want to buy food, clothes, electronics, or handmade crafts, you’ll find a market that meets your needs.
