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Infinity Media
- 7 Min Read
List Of Local Markets In Cross River: Here Are 15 Local Markets You Must Visit
So, you just moved to Cross River State? Welcome o! You’ve left behind the madness of Lagos traffic, the cold breeze of Jos, or maybe even the pepper soup chaos of Port Harcourt. And now, here you are—right in the beautiful heart of one of Nigeria’s most culturally rich and naturally blessed states. Clap for yourself. You made a good choice.👏
Now let’s talk about something that will either make or break your experience in Cross River: local markets.
Yes, my dear, not Shoprite, not that corner boutique that sells everything at double the price—but real, authentic, sweaty, energetic Nigerian markets. The type that hits you with the scent of fresh fish, dried crayfish, second-hand clothes, and roasted corn—all in one breath.
If you’re going to survive here, you need to know where to buy foodstuff, clothing, provisions, and even spiritual items (if you believe in that kind of thing). Let’s take a fun, no-filter ride through some of Cross River’s most iconic markets. Fasten your slippers!
1. Watt Market, Calabar – Where Everything Happens
This market is the undisputed king of all markets in Cross River. Located in the capital city, Calabar, Watt Market has been here since 1901. Yes o, our grandmothers bought pepper there. If you can’t find it in Watt, it probably doesn’t exist in Cross River.
Need yam? It's there. Ankara fabric? Plenty. Spare parts, shoes, wigs, dried fish, agbalumo, even old Nokia chargers—they sell everything. It’s huge, noisy, and a bit wild, but trust me, that’s part of the charm.
🗓️ Market Days: It runs daily, but Thursdays and Saturdays are the real deal.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t dress like a foreigner unless you want to be priced like one. Hold your bag close, price well, and always ask for “better thing wey cheap.”
2. Marian Market, Calabar – Clean, Big, and Packed
Ah, Marian Market. If Watt Market is the OG, Marian is the cool younger cousin that just came back from abroad. It’s organized, with modern stalls, and sells everything from vegetables and fruits to home goods and cosmetics.
Fresh tomatoes, onions, ogbono, egusi—name it. There’s even a section for second-hand designer bags. You might come for onions and leave with a Louis Vuitton (don’t ask if it’s real).
🗓️ Market Days: Open every day. Just go early if you want fresh things.
💡 Pro Tip: This market is a bit “bougie,” so some prices may be slightly higher. But you can still find good bargains if you hustle small.
3. Ikom Main Market – Cocoa and Cross-Border Vibes
Ikom is close to the Cameroon border, and that gives the market a kind of international flavour. You’ll find Cameroonian traders selling imported goods—like spices you didn’t know existed, fabrics with bold prints, and even fresh cocoa and coffee beans.
🗓️ Market Days: Major days are Thursdays and Saturdays.
💡 Pro Tip: Brush up on your Pidgin and basic French. If you throw in small “bonjour” or “merci,” prices might come down magically.
4. Obudu Market – Chilly Weather, Hot Trade
Obudu people don’t play when it comes to trade. Their market runs on a traditional five-day cycle with local names like Katube, Azul, Ugidi, etc. If you like yam, cocoyam, plantain, and other fresh-from-the-farm goodies, this is your place.
🗓️ Market Days: Varies based on the cycle, so ask locals for the exact day.
💡 Pro Tip: Come with cash and an appetite. You’ll see bush meat, palm wine, and snacks like you’ve never tasted before.
5. Esuk Mba Market, Akpabuyo – Barter Like It’s 1950
This one is for cultural adventurers. At Esuk Mba Market, many people still trade by barter. Yes o, no cash! You can bring salt, fish, or anything of value and exchange it for what you need.
🗓️ Market Day: Saturdays only, and it closes early.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t go with cash alone. Bring some dried fish, a bottle of oil, or even some extra garri. It's how things work here. And please, smile while you bargain—this is a friendly place.
6. Akpabuyo Market – Affordable Fruits and Veggies
Located on the outskirts of Calabar, this market is known for selling super fresh fruits and vegetables at pocket-friendly prices. Think tomatoes, peppers, okra, cucumber, and all those things that make your soup sweet.
🗓️ Market Days: Every day, but go early in the morning.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your own bag, wear flat shoes, and bargain like a pro. Also, buy in bulk and share with neighbours—you’ll make friends faster than any housewarming.
7. Mbube Market, Ogoja – Where Garri Flows Like a River
This one is famous for garri—white, yellow, sour, sweet. Whatever your preference, Mbube has it. Farmers and traders come from surrounding villages to sell directly. So, prices are good, and quality is top-notch.
🗓️ Market Days: Saturdays are best.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a friend to help you carry. One sack of garri can change your whole kitchen budget for a month.
8. Ogoja Market – Millet and More Millet
Are you a fan of pap or local brewing? Ogoja Market sells different varieties of millet and other grains at very good prices. You’ll also find cocoyam, pepper, and groundnut in abundance.
🗓️ Market Days: Major days vary. Confirm with a local.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy in bulk and store. These are pantry staples that last long. And don’t forget to ask for local recipes—Ogoja women sabi cook!
9. Beach Market, Calabar Waterfront – The Sea Meets the Stall
This market has a unique beachy vibe. Located near the Calabar waterfront, it sells beachwear, sunglasses, food, sandals, and light household goods. It’s more relaxed than the traditional markets.
🗓️ Market Days: Daily, but weekends are best.
💡 Pro Tip: Come for shopping, stay for the breeze and snacks. The roasted fish here? Heavenly.
10. Uwanse Market, Calabar South – Millet and Pap Lovers’ Paradise
This market is one of the best places to buy millet for pap (akamu), especially if you’re trying to learn how to make that thick, sweet breakfast that fills your soul.
🗓️ Market Days: Weekends are best.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask the sellers to blend the millet for you—most will do it free or for a small fee. You’ll thank me later.
11. Sankwala Market, Obanliku – Rural Gems
Way up north in the Obanliku area, this market caters mostly to locals, but if you want to experience rural trade and get some handmade items (like wooden cooking spoons, baskets, and even calabashes), Sankwala is the place.
🗓️ Market Days: Weekly, depending on community calendar.
💡 Pro Tip: Carry small change, be respectful, and greet elders well. Rural markets have their own etiquette.
12. Amana Market, Obanliku – Community Vibes and Essentials
Not far from Sankwala, Amana Market is more of a functional, essential-based market. You’ll find foodstuff, soap, clothing, and basic household items.
🗓️ Market Days: Weekly. Confirm exact days locally.
💡 Pro Tip: Good for quick, last-minute shopping. Very affordable.
13. Okuku Market, Yala – The Rice & Beans Zone
This one is in Yala LGA and is known for selling quality rice, beans, yam, and other household staples. It’s not as big as some others, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.
🗓️ Market Days: Weekly.
💡 Pro Tip: Build rapport with one or two traders. They’ll start saving the best goods for you.
14. Bakassi Fish Market – Fish Lovers, Gather Here 🐟
You haven’t tasted fish until you’ve tried Bakassi fish. This riverside market specializes in fresh and smoked seafood. Shrimp, periwinkle, catfish—name it.
🗓️ Market Days: Early mornings are best.
💡 Pro Tip: Learn the difference between fake smoked fish and the real deal. Ask a local to teach you.
15. Ikang Market – Border Business & Bargains
Right on the edge of the Nigerian border with Cameroon, Ikang Market is a mix of local and cross-border goods. Expect to find exotic spices, fabrics, and even drinks you won’t see anywhere else.
🗓️ Market Days: Ask around, but mostly active weekends.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t go alone the first time. Go with someone who knows how to “show face.” It helps.
Final Words for My New Cross River Family
Markets are more than just places to buy and sell in Cross River—they’re living, breathing centers of culture. You’ll laugh, you’ll bargain, you’ll sweat, and you’ll eat like royalty.
So whether you’re shopping for fresh okra or just going to “eye shop,” get involved. Before long, you’ll be blending in, haggling like a pro, and even making friends with that woman that calls you “my customer” every time—even when you haven’t bought anything in weeks. 😂
Go out. Explore. Let the market become your new classroom, and Cross River? Your new home.
