List Of Local Markets In Kano State
Kano State is one of the busiest states in Northern Nigeria. It is a place where business, culture, and history meet. The state is well-known for its strong trading system. Every day, thousands of people visit its local markets to buy and sell different items such as food, clothing, household items, grains, livestock, and handmade crafts.
In this blog post, we will take you through some of the most popular and important markets in Kano State. We will also provide their addresses, the types of goods they are known for, and tips to help you enjoy your shopping experience. If you are a visitor or a local resident, this guide will help you find the right market for what you need.
1. Dawano Market (Also Called Dawanau Market)
Location: Fagge Area, Kano Municipal, Kano State.
Dawano Market is one of the largest foodstuff markets in Africa. It is especially known for grains and dried food items. Traders from different parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries come here to buy and sell.
What You Can Buy Here:
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Beans, maize, millet
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Sorghum, sesame seeds
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Groundnuts (peanuts)
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Dry moringa and hibiscus
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Spices and herbs
Why People Love It:
This market is an international food hub. Many of the goods bought here are exported to countries in West Africa and even to Europe and Asia.
Helpful Tips:
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The market is busiest in the morning, especially between 7 am and 11 am.
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Bring cash, as most traders do not accept bank transfers.
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Use a Hausa speaker to get better prices.
2. Kantin Kwari Market
Location: Along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano Municipal.
Kantin Kwari is the biggest textile market in West Africa. This is the best place to buy fabric and materials of all kinds, whether for personal use or business.
What You Can Buy:
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Ankara (African prints)
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Lace materials
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Brocade
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Atiku wears and Guinea fabric
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Tailoring accessories
Why It Is Special:
People from all over Nigeria and West Africa come to Kantin Kwari to buy textiles in bulk. The market also has thousands of shops and stalls.
Helpful Tips:
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Always try to bargain; it is normal here.
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It is better to go during weekdays to avoid overcrowding.
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Take note of the shop you buy from, in case you need to return.
3. Kurmi Market
Location: Near Emir’s Palace, Baba Kusa Street, Kano City.
Kurmi Market is one of the oldest markets in Nigeria. It was built in the 15th century by Emir Muhammad Rumfa. This market has a deep historical and cultural background.
What You Can Buy:
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Traditional Hausa clothing
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Handcrafted leather sandals, bags, and belts
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Jewellery and local crafts
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Spices, herbs, and food items
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Carvings and souvenirs
Why It Is Special:
Kurmi Market is not just a place for business. It is a tourist attraction. The market reminds visitors of the old trade routes that existed between North Africa and West Africa.
Helpful Tips:
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Go with a local or someone who understands the layout.
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You can also find artists and craftsmen at work.
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Be ready for narrow alleys and a busy crowd.
4. Sabon Gari Market (Also Called Rimi Market)
Location: Court Road, Fagge, Kano.
This market was built during the colonial era mainly for people from southern Nigeria who lived in Kano. “Sabon Gari” means “new town” in Hausa.
What You Can Buy:
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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Grains and rice
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Clothes and shoes
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Kitchen and home appliances
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Electronics and mobile phones
Why It Is Special:
Sabon Gari Market is open 24 hours every day. It is one of the few markets in Kano that never sleeps.
Helpful Tips:
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This market is very large, so it is best to plan what you want to buy before going.
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Avoid late-night shopping unless you are with someone.
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Watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
5. Yankura Market
Location: Court Road, Fagge, Kano.
Yankura Market is sometimes called the “Yoruba Market” because it has many traders from the South-West.
What You Can Buy:
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Provisions and foodstuff
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Cosmetics and skincare items
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Fashion accessories
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Household items
Why It Is Special:
This market is neatly arranged, and traders are friendly. It is a great place to buy in retail or wholesale.
Helpful Tips:
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The market is open daily from morning to 6 pm.
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Go early to avoid sun and crowd.
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Feel free to ask questions before buying.
6. Kofar Wambai Market
Location: IBB Way, Kofar Wambai, Kano.
This is one of the top locations in Kano to buy second-hand items, also known as “okrika.”
What You Can Buy:
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Second-hand clothes (shirts, trousers, dresses)
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Bags and shoes
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Kitchen items
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Plastic containers
Why It Is Special:
If you are looking for cheap and affordable items, this is the right place.
Helpful Tips:
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Check items properly before you buy.
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Prices are not fixed; negotiate well.
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Wash clothes before wearing them.
7. Sharada Market
Location: Sharada Area, Kano Municipal.
Sharada is a mixed market that has almost everything you need for home and business.
What You Can Buy:
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Grains and food items
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Aluminium and metal materials
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Electrical fittings and plumbing tools
Why It Is Special:
Sharada is ideal for building and construction materials. It also serves many nearby communities.
Helpful Tips:
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Great for bulk purchases.
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Try visiting during weekdays for lesser crowd.
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Ask for directions; the market is large.
8. Galadima Market
Location: Close to Yankura Market, Fagge Area, Kano.
This is a small but busy market located near some of the other major markets in Kano.
What You Can Buy:
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General goods
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Household supplies
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Children’s clothes and school items
Why It Is Special:
It is easily accessible and less crowded compared to others.
Helpful Tips:
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Prices may be slightly higher due to convenience.
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You can get most items here if you are not going far.
9. Wudil Cattle Market
Location: Wudil Local Government Area, Kano.
Wudil Market is the second-largest cattle market in Kano State. It is usually very busy on Fridays.
What You Can Buy:
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Cows, goats, and rams
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Maize, beans, onions
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Animal feeds and grains
Why It Is Special:
Wudil plays an important role in the supply of livestock across Nigeria.
Helpful Tips:
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Go with someone who knows how to price animals.
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Wear boots or strong shoes due to animal waste.
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Keep small money with you for quick purchases.
10. Tarauni Market
Location: Tarauni Area, Kano.
Tarauni is a residential area that has a lively market known for variety.
What You Can Buy:
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Clothing
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Electronics (TVs, radios, fans)
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Hair and skincare products
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Fresh vegetables and pepper
Why It Is Special:
The market serves many homes in Tarauni and nearby areas.
Helpful Tips:
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Good for small, day-to-day shopping.
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Avoid peak hours in the evening.
✅ Summary Table
| Market Name | Location | Key Products |
|---|---|---|
| Dawano Market | Fagge | Grains and dried foods |
| Kantin Kwari | Kano Municipal | Textiles and fabrics |
| Kurmi Market | Baba Kusa Street | Crafts, souvenirs, spices |
| Sabon Gari Market | Court Road, Fagge | Foodstuff, clothes, electronics |
| Yankura Market | Fagge, Court Road | General household goods |
| Kofar Wambai | IBB Road | Second-hand clothes and items |
| Sharada Market | Sharada Area | Building materials, food |
| Galadima Market | Near Yankura | School supplies, general items |
| Wudil Market | Wudil LGA | Cattle and grains |
| Tarauni Market | Tarauni | Clothing, electronics, fresh foods |
Final Words
Kano State is not only famous for its rich culture and history but also for its vibrant markets. These markets are important for the daily lives of the people. They offer great opportunities for shopping, business, and even tourism.
Whether you are looking for fabric at Kantin Kwari, foodstuff at Dawano, or animals at Wudil, Kano’s local markets will never disappoint you.
So the next time you are in Kano, take your shopping bag and explore these amazing markets. You will surely find good prices, friendly traders, and lots of interesting things to see and buy.
