List Of Local Markets In Rivers State – Easy Guide For Shoppers
Rivers State is one of the most important states in southern Nigeria. It is home to Port Harcourt, a big and busy city known for oil and gas. But beyond that, Rivers State has many local markets that help people buy and sell all kinds of goods. From fresh food to clothes, electronics, and spare parts, you can find almost everything in these markets.
In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at the top local markets in Rivers State, their addresses, what you can buy there, and why they are important. If you are living in Rivers or planning to visit, this guide will help you explore the markets easily.
1. Mile 3 Market, Diobu
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Address: Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
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What You Can Buy: Clothes, shoes, foodstuff, kitchen utensils, electronics, building materials, and more.
Mile 3 Market is one of the biggest and busiest markets in Port Harcourt. It is well-organized and has many shops and stalls. People come from different parts of the city to buy and sell here. Whether you want to buy food in bulk, affordable clothes, or even household goods, this market has it all.
The market is also close to bus stops, so it’s easy to reach. However, it can get very crowded, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
2. Mile 1 Market
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Address: Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
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What You Can Buy: Fresh food, secondhand clothes (okrika), shoes, electronics, and provisions.
Mile 1 Market is another popular market in Diobu, close to Mile 3. Many people know it for the sale of secondhand items, especially clothes and shoes. It is a good place to find nice outfits at cheap prices. You can also buy fresh vegetables, fruits, rice, beans, oil, and other food items.
If you want affordable items and you enjoy bargaining, Mile 1 is a great place to visit.
3. Oil Mill Market (Wednesday Market)
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Address: Along Aba Road, near Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
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What You Can Buy: Palm oil, cassava, yams, vegetables, rice, garri, clothes, household items, and more.
This is one of the most famous weekly markets in Rivers State. It is called the Oil Mill Market because it started as a place where palm oil was sold in large quantities. Today, the market is still known for foodstuff and household goods.
The market is only fully open on Wednesdays, so traders and buyers prepare for it ahead of time. If you want to buy food in bulk at cheap prices, this is the best market to visit.
4. Creek Road Market
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Address: Creek Road, Old Port Harcourt Township
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What You Can Buy: Fresh fish, crayfish, periwinkle, snails, vegetables, garri, beans, rice.
Creek Road Market is located in the town area of Port Harcourt. It is close to the waterfront and is one of the best places to buy seafood. You will find different kinds of fish, crabs, shrimps, and more.
It also has many stalls that sell foodstuff and cooking items. Early morning is the best time to visit because fresh items come in from the river and local suppliers.
5. Garrison Electronics Market
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Address: Garrison Junction, Port Harcourt
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What You Can Buy: Phones, laptops, chargers, phone accessories, computer parts, and repair services.
If you need to buy a phone, computer, or do repairs, Garrison is the place to go. The electronics market here is popular with students, workers, and tech lovers. Whether you’re looking for a fairly used laptop or a brand-new phone charger, you can find it here.
Prices are usually affordable, and many shops offer repair services as well.
6. Ikokwu Spare Parts Market
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Address: Ikokwu Street, Mile 2 Area, Port Harcourt
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What You Can Buy: Vehicle spare parts, engine oil, tyres, car batteries, and vehicle tools.
This market is very popular among mechanics and vehicle owners. It is the largest auto spare parts market in Rivers State. Traders bring in parts for different car brands, bikes, and even heavy trucks.
It is also the best place to go if you need a mechanic or auto repair expert.
7. Choba Market
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Address: Choba, along East-West Road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
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What You Can Buy: Foodstuff, fruits, snacks, secondhand clothes, shoes, student supplies.
Choba Market is close to the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), so it mostly serves students and staff of the university. It has many affordable items, especially for young people. Food is also cheap here, and many sellers are friendly.
If you’re a student or visiting UNIPORT, this market is very convenient for your shopping needs.
8. Rumuokoro Market
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Address: Rumuokoro Roundabout, Port Harcourt
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What You Can Buy: Meat, fish, tomatoes, pepper, food ingredients, fashion items.
This market is located in one of the busiest parts of the city. It is close to many residential areas, so it gets a lot of daily shoppers. It is a great place to buy fresh food, especially if you live in the nearby neighborhoods like Rumuodara, Eliozu, or Rumuigbo.
9. Slaughter Market
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Address: Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt
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What You Can Buy: Fresh meat (goat, beef, chicken), fish, spices, cooking ingredients.
As the name suggests, this market is known for the sale of meat and related products. But it also has sellers of food ingredients, including onions, pepper, oil, and vegetables. Butchers and meat lovers often visit here for fresh cuts.
10. Market Square (Supermarket Chain)
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Address: Multiple branches across Port Harcourt (e.g., Trans-Amadi, GRA, Ada George)
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What You Can Buy: Packaged food, drinks, groceries, toiletries, snacks, home appliances.
Market Square is not a traditional open market. It is a modern shopping center, like a supermarket. Prices are fixed, and you can shop in comfort. It’s a good option if you prefer an air-conditioned environment and you want to avoid the crowd of open-air markets.
11. Waterfront Markets (e.g., Marine Base, Okrika)
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Address: Located along various riverside areas in Rivers State
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What You Can Buy: Seafood, clothes, smoked fish, periwinkle, palm oil, and more.
These markets are found in fishing communities near the river. They sell fish directly from fishermen. Most of the sellers are women, and they also trade items like palm oil, spices, local herbs, and handmade goods.
Why These Markets Are Important
Markets in Rivers State play a big role in the economy. Many families depend on buying and selling for their daily income. Here are some reasons why these markets matter:
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Job Creation: Thousands of people make a living from these markets – traders, loaders, drivers, food sellers, etc.
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Food Security: They supply fresh food to homes, restaurants, and hotels in the state.
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Low Prices: Many people prefer markets because prices are lower than in supermarkets.
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Cultural Connection: Markets are a meeting point where people from different ethnic groups interact and share culture.
Tips for Visiting Rivers State Markets
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Go Early: The best time to shop is in the morning, around 7am–10am.
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Hold Cash: Most traders do not accept transfers or POS; cash is king.
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Be Careful: Watch your wallet and phone in crowded places.
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Dress Light: Wear simple and comfortable clothes, especially during hot weather.
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Price Wisely: Don’t be afraid to bargain – it’s part of the shopping experience.
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Go with a Bag: Bring your own shopping bag to avoid buying extra nylon.
Summary Table of Popular Rivers State Markets
| Market Name | Location | Major Items Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Mile 3 Market | Diobu, Port Harcourt | General goods, foodstuff, electronics |
| Mile 1 Market | Diobu, Port Harcourt | Okrika clothes, foodstuff |
| Oil Mill Market | Rumukwurushi (Wednesdays) | Bulk food items, clothes, palm oil |
| Creek Road Market | Port Harcourt Township | Seafood, vegetables, grains |
| Garrison Market | Garrison Junction | Phones, computers, repairs |
| Ikokwu Market | Mile 2 Area, PH | Car spare parts, engine oil |
| Choba Market | East-West Road, Choba | Student goods, foodstuff |
| Rumuokoro Market | Rumuokoro Roundabout | Fresh food, provisions |
| Slaughter Market | Trans-Amadi Layout | Fresh meat, fish, food ingredients |
| Market Square (Modern) | Trans-Amadi, GRA, Ada George | Packaged groceries, home products |
Final Thoughts
Markets are a big part of life in Rivers State. Whether you're looking for fresh food, electronics, car parts, or affordable clothes, you’ll find a market that suits your needs. These markets are not only places to shop—they are also places where communities connect, businesses grow, and culture thrives.
If you're in Rivers State, take some time to explore the markets. You'll learn a lot, save money, and support local businesses.
