Insights

Major Local Markets Of Kaduna State: Food Markets

Jun 08, 2025
8 Min Read

Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria is a remarkable place, known for its lively marketplaces where people from all walks of life come to trade, socialize, and experience local culture. From massive central markets to compact neighborhood stalls, Kaduna’s markets are bustling centers of daily life. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the most important markets, sharing their locations, key offerings, visiting tips—and what makes each stand out.

1. Kaduna Central Market (Abubakar Mahmud Gumi Market)

Address: Ahmadu Bello Way, between Kaduna North and South LGAs, Kaduna State

Kaduna Central Market, also known by its official name Abubakar Mahmud Gumi Market, is the heart of trade in the state’s capital. It was built in the 1970s and lies at an intersection of major roads. If you’re in Kaduna and need almost anything—food, clothing, electronics—this is the place to go .

What You’ll Find:

Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and cooking ingredients
Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, bags
Mobile phone accessories, household goods, cosmetics

Reasons to Visit:

One of the busiest and largest markets in Northern Nigeria
A melting pot of ethnic groups—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and others
Regularly revived and cleaned by government efforts, especially after occasional fires or during COVID-19 safety measures

2. Old Panteka Market

Address: Panteka area, Kaduna South LGA

Old Panteka Market is a famous hub for artisans in Kaduna. It is home to thousands of small workshops where metalworkers, carpenters, and painters have operated for decades .

What You’ll Find:

Carpentry and woodwork shops
Metal welding and fabrication services
Custom-made furniture and home fittings

Why It Matters:

Known as Kaduna’s “artisan village”
A go-to for repairs, custom woodwork, and metal creations
Craftspeople often work late into the night, crafting with skill and precision

3. New Panteka Market

Address: Near Old Panteka, Kaduna South LGA

New Panteka Market evolved from its older neighbor but offers a more structured shopping environment for similar trades .

What You’ll Find:

Auto parts for cars and motorcycles
Household décor and fittings
Textile and craft materials

Why It Matters:

Easier to move through than Old Panteka’s narrow lanes
Great for vehicle accessories and repair parts
More organized layout, easier to locate vendors

4. Makera (Kakuri) Market

Address: Kakuri area, Kaduna South LGA

Makera Market is a well-known neighborhood market in Kakuri. It offers convenience to residents seeking food and household items .

What You’ll Find:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Groceries, rice, grains, cooking oil
Kitchenware and everyday household goods

Why It Wins:

Calm and orderly compared to the hustle of central markets
Perfect for quick weekly or bi-weekly shopping
Close to schools and offices in Kakuri

5. Station Market

Address: Adjacent to Kaduna train station, Kakuri area

Station Market hugs the train station and is bustling with commuters and traders. The morning scene is particularly busy with food vendors .

What You’ll Find:

Vegetables, fruits, eggs, and poultry
Fresh meat such as chicken and goat
Bags of grains like maize and rice

Why You Should Go:

Provides fresh goods at competitive prices
Convenient if arriving by train
A favorite spot for commuters seeking breakfast or ingredients

6. Kasuwar Barci (Sleeping Market)

Address: Tudun Wada, Kaduna Metropolis

Also called the "Sleeping Market," Kasuwar Barci specializes in second‑hand clothes—locally called "tokunbo." The market is lively, with vendors selling used items at low prices .

What You’ll Find:

Second-hand shirts, trousers, dresses
Bags, shoes, mats, and rugs
Household linens and textiles

Why It’s Popular:

One of Northern Nigeria’s largest used-clothing markets
Affordable fashion finds and homewares
Frequently visited by student shoppers

7. Tudun Wada Market

Address: Tudun Wada, Kaduna Metropolis

Tudun Wada Market often shares space with Kasuwar Barci but specializes also in herbal products and live stock – especially cattle .

What You’ll Find:

Second-hand clothes and herbs
Live cattle, goats, and sometimes sheep
Local cooking spices and condiments

Why It’s Special:

Uncommon blend of clothing, herbal medicine, and livestock
Welcomed by traders from nearby towns
Serves a wide variety of customers

8. Kasuwan Magani Market

Address: Kasuwan Magani, Chikun LGA

Reopened and modernized recently, Kasuwan Magani is one of Kaduna’s best-organized markets .

What You’ll Find:

Foodstuff, fresh meat (with nearby abattoir)
Legislated lock-up shops, clean stalls
Banking hall, clinic, police post, and fire services

Why It’s Noteworthy:

Over 2,000 shops plus structured facilities
One of the safest, most hygienic markets in Kaduna
Provides good parking and public utilities

9. Anwan Dosa Market

Address: Central Kaduna Metropolis

Anwan Dosa Market is a medium-sized market popular with local families for quick grocery runs.

What You’ll Find:

Fresh cooking items like vegetables and spices
Packaged food and condiments
Utensils and light household goods

Why It’s Popular:

Perfect for neighboring residents’ everyday needs
Compact and easy to navigate
Full of friendly small-scale traders

10. Chechenia Market (Sabon Gari)

Address: Sabon Gari, Kaduna Metropolis

Chechenia Market is a colourful and mixed-dealer market that offers a bit of everything .

What You’ll Find:

Fresh produce, clothes, jewelry, shoes
Home decor items like curtains and mats
Spices and street foods

Why It’s Liked:

Offers a wide variety in one place
Popular for last-minute shopping trips
Great spot to explore craftsmanship and culture

11. Sabon Tasha Market

Address: Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA

Found in the Sabon Tasha area near the Expressway, this market is loved by commuters and locals alike .

What You’ll Find:

Grains, produce, snacks and hot food
Kitchenware and daily use items

Why It Serves Well:

Ideal for a quick lunch or grocery stop
Plenty of street-food vendors for snacks
Accessible to vehicles and pedestrians

12. Kafanchan Central Market

Address: Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna Region

Kafanchan Central Market is the largest hub in southern Kaduna. Though it sustained some damage by fire, it remains vibrant .

What You’ll Find:

A large selection of fresh produce, grains, livestock
Clothing, electronics, and home goods
Handcrafted items and jewelry

Why It’s Important:

Major distribution center for Southern Kaduna
Central to inter-regional trade flows
Rapid repairs keep it operational and essential

13. Sabongari Market (Zaria Main Market)

Address: Zaria, Kaduna North

Sabongari Market, in the historic city of Zaria, was once the region’s primary market hub .

What You’ll Find:

Traditional textiles and clothing
Household goods and foodstuff
Pottery and bespoke woven items

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

Rich in history and traditional commerce
Known for quality craftsmanship
Still a vital marketplace for the broader region

14. Gonin Gora Market

Address: Gonin Gora, Kaduna South LGA

This is a reliable local market serving people in Gonin Gora and surrounding neighborhoods .

What You’ll Find:

Everyday food items like grains and spices
Cooking tools and utensils

Why It’s Useful:

Calm, uncrowded, and well-managed
Ideal for straightforward, no-stress shopping

15. Kawo Weekly Market

Address: Kawo, Kaduna North LGA

Held once a week, Kawo Market brings together traders and farmers for seasonal trade .

What You’ll Find:

Produce, grains, and livestock
Household items and seasonal crafts

Why It’s Special:

Serves as a community focal point once a week
Excellent for buying fresh farm products at local prices

16. Ungwan Rimi & Ungwan Shanu Weekly Markets

Address: Ungwan Rimi and Ungwan Shanu, Kaduna North

These two markets operate weekly, offering essentials for locals .

What You’ll Find:

Ungwan Rimi: grains, food items, household goods
Ungwan Shanu: known for fresh meat and beef products

Why They Matter:

Bright representations of Kaduna’s grassroots trading culture
Convenient and communal, supporting neighborhood life

Why These Markets Matter

Economic Heartbeat:
Markets like Kaduna Central, Kasuwan Magani, and Kafanchan are vital drivers of trade in Kaduna State .
Cultural Melting Pots:
They bring together diverse groups—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and more—sharing goods, languages, customs, and tradition.
Daily Life Anchors:
Local and weekly markets act as social gathering places where friends meet, neighbors chat, and communities come together.
Transit Economic Hubs:
Markets beside major roads or railways (Station Market, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna Central) connect rural producers to urban consumers, keeping goods flowing efficiently.

Helpful Tips for Market Visitors

Arrive Early: Want fresh produce and good deals? Be on-site before 8 AM.
Carry Cash: Many traders don’t have POS machines or mobile payment setups.
Bargain Respectfully: Haggling is expected, but always with courtesy.
Dress for Comfort: Markets are often open-air; wear cool, loose clothes and comfortable shoes.
Plan for Traffic: Some markets are near crowded roads—allow extra time for parking.
Stay Hygienic: Bringing sanitiser and wearing a mask can keep you healthy in busy spaces.

Sample One-Day Market Route

Time	Location	Activity
7:00 AM	Kaduna Central Market	Shop for fruits, vegetables, grains, and daily goods
9:00 AM	Station Market (Kakuri)	Pick fresh eggs, produce, or poultry
10:30 AM	Chechenia Market (Sabon Gari)	Shop clothes, decor items, and jewellery
12:00 PM	Lunch at Sabon Tasha	Try street food or a local restaurant meal
2:00 PM	Kasuwan Magani Market	Explore modern stalls and convenient shopping amenities
4:00 PM	Old/New Panteka Markets	Visit artisan workshops or buy repair parts

Final Thoughts

Kaduna State’s markets are more than just places of trade; they are vibrant centers of commerce and culture. From the massive, modern Kaduna Central and Kasuwan Magani markets to traditional weekly setups and artisan communities, each market has its own character and role in daily life.

Whether you’re traveling, buying goods, or studying market behavior, visiting Kaduna’s markets offers rich insight into Nigeria’s economic and social rhythms. Want maps, photos, or a printable shopping guide? Just ask—happy to help further!

Major Local Markets Of Kaduna State: Food Markets