List Of Local Markets In Imo State: 15 Markets That Will Change Your Life

So, you’ve finally made it to Imo State—whether na for NYSC, work transfer, marriage, japa-from-Lagos mission, or you just decided to enjoy the softer life in the East. Welcome, my dear! You’re now in the land of hardworking traders, delicious soups, sharp-tongued market women, and some of the most vibrant local markets you’ll find anywhere in Nigeria.

Now let’s be real: if you really want to experience Imo—I mean really enter the culture—you cannot avoid the local markets. Yes, there are supermarkets here and there, with cold AC and clean shelves. But abeg, who dey go supermarket to buy palm oil and bitter leaf? Or who wants to pay ₦3,500 for a basket of tomatoes that’s going for ₦1,000 in the open market?

As a new immigrant, I’m here to guide you like your big cousin that knows road. We’re going deep into the core of Imo's trading world—no filter, no sugar-coating. Just the raw, real gist you need to survive and thrive.

Let’s go!

1. Nkwo Owerri Market (aka New Market) – The Big Daddy of Them All

Let’s start with the one market that everybody in Owerri knows: Nkwo Owerri, fondly called New Market. Located along Egbu Road in Owerri North, this place is pure vibes. It’s like the heartbeat of the city’s trading life.

From fresh pepper and onions to yam, frozen chicken, baby clothes, cement, even charms if that’s your vibe—everything is here.

🗓 Best day to go: Nkwo day (every four days in Igbo calendar), but it’s open every day.

💡 Newbie tip: Go with your strongest wrapper or comfortable trouser. The walk ehn? It’s not for stilettos. And please, hold small change! Once you bring out ₦5,000 to buy ugwu, you’ve lost the war.

2. Relief Market – The Cleanest of the Chaos

When Eke Ukwu Market (the original Owerri market) was demolished, many traders relocated to Relief Market in Owerri North. This market has now become a major force in Imo State. It’s more structured, better spaced, and less likely to swallow you alive.

You’ll find everything here—groceries, clothes, plastic buckets, second-hand shoes, name it.

💡 Pro tip: For foodstuff, go early. Like 6:30 am. If you go around 10, na leftovers and last prices you go chop.

3. Eke Onunwa (aka Ekeukwu Market) – The Meat Kingdom

Meat lovers, gather here! This market is the headquarters for frozen food. Turkey, chicken, titus fish, goat meat, cow leg—you go see everything. It used to be Owerri’s central market before the demolition drama, but it still holds serious weight.

🗓 Best time to go: Eke days (traditional market days), or any morning before 9 am.

💡 Meat tip: Walk around before you buy. Some women will price you like you’re from London. If you don’t price well, your meat go cost pass wedding cow.

4. Orlu International Market – Where the Money Flows

Located in Orlu LGA, this market is one of the biggest commercial hubs in the state. Think of it like the Lagos Trade Fair of Imo State. If you want to buy in bulk, this is your spot.

You’ll find electronics, fabrics, building materials, mobile phones—even motorcycle spare parts.

🗓 Market Day: Nkwo day and every other day.

💡 Survival tip: Don’t go here hungry. You’ll spend all your money on meat pie and zobo before you reach the main sellers.

5. Afor Ogbe Market – Ahiazu Mbaise’s Mighty Trade Hub

If you’re in Mbaise area, Afor Ogbe is the market of markets. On Afor days, the place turns into a carnival. Farmers, traders, women with baskets on their heads, men dragging goats—it’s organized madness.

💡 Culture alert: If you want to see Igbo culture in action, go here during festive seasons. You’ll see traditional dancers, masquerades, and native fashion that will make your Instagram pop.

6. Anara Market – Isiala Mbano’s Hidden Gem

Also called Ahia Anara, this one’s for serious foodstuff buyers. Palm oil, garri, beans, rice—you name it. It’s more of a wholesale center so if you plan to restock your pantry for the month, this is your plug.

🗓 Market Day: Daily, but weekends are lit.

💡 Smart move: Buy with friends. That way you can split big items like paint buckets of rice or 5-liter jerrycans of palm oil.

7. Okigwe Market – Where Farmers Meet Traders

This market has grown from a rural space into a daily market thanks to the location along the PH-Enugu road. It’s a lovely blend of city convenience and rural charm.

Perfect for people who just moved to Okigwe town or nearby areas.

💡 Student alert: FUTO and Alvan students dey come here often, so don’t be surprised if you meet your classmate pricing tomatoes.

8. Nkwo Nwangele – The Palm Oil & Herb Hangout

This market specializes in local staples: fresh garri, palm oil that smells like heaven, herbs your grandma used to cure cough, and locally dried fish.

🗓 Market Day: Nkwo day (every four days).

💡 Small gist: The market women can sense a newcomer from one mile away. So act like you know road. Just ask, “Madam, how much for last?” They’ll think you’re one of them.

9. Afor Umuaka – Where Farmers Rule

This market is in Njaba LGA and it's massive on Afor days. You’ll find goats, fowls, herbs, pepper, ogiri, okpa, and clothes—all in one sweep.

💡 Cultural flavor: If you go during yam season, the market becomes a full-blown celebration. Drumming, dancing, and even some villagers turning it into a dating scene. Don’t say I didn’t tell you!

10. Nkwo Ihiagwa – For FUTO and Polytechnic Peeps

If you're a student or staff in FUTO or Nekede, this is your market. It’s small but mighty, packed with just what you need for hostel survival: noodles, tomato paste, onions, dry fish, egg, palm oil.

🗓 Market Day: Nkwo day.

💡 Low-budget tip: ₦1,000 can cook stew for three days here. Just know how to negotiate like someone that didn’t just land from Abuja.

11. Nkwo Emekuku Market – The Traditional Treasure

This market is a vibe on its own. In Emekuku town, on Nkwo days, the market becomes the community's pride. It's where grandmothers come with woven baskets and young men chase fowls around like it’s a sport.

🗓 Market Day: Nkwo.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t rush. Take your time. The good stuff—native herbs, fresh ogiri, dried fish—na patience go help you find am.

12. Eke Ukwu Obodoukwu – Community Flavour

Found in Ideato North, this is a proper village-style market. You go here to feel peace. The sellers greet you with “nwa’m” and ask about your family—even if they just met you.

🗓 Market Day: Eke day.

💡 Village tactic: Even if you no sabi Igbo, just say “Kedu” with confidence. That one word can save you from being overpriced.

13. Nkwo Naze Market – Easy to Access

If you stay around Owerri North or you're new to the Naze area, this market will serve you well. Fresh fruits, okro, bitterleaf, crayfish—all at good prices.

💡 Starter tip: Walk to the far end of the market. That’s where you find better deals. The front sellers know they’re close to the road, so they charge premium!

14. Eke Itu Market – Ezinihitte’s Underrated Star

Eke Itu is one of those markets that doesn’t look like much at first glance—but give it time. Palm wine, fresh garri, dry meat, egusi, okazi—home cook’s heaven.

🗓 Market Day: Eke day.

💡 Cultural fun: If you love local music and drumming, go on festival weeks. The market becomes a mini carnival.

15. Orie-Amaigwe – Umunoha’s Marketplace of Peace

This 8-day cycle market is calm, traditional, and perfect for quiet shopping. No shouting, no rushing. You can walk gently, greet aunties, and buy your yam in peace.

💡 Low key alert: Great place to learn market Igbo without being laughed at. The sellers are patient and love helping newcomers.

Final Words from Your Market Mentor

Imo State is not just about hospitality and laughter—it’s about markets that have soul. These markets are where culture lives. They are loud, they are beautiful, and they are real. No artificial lighting, no fake smiles. Just real people doing honest hustle.

If you want to blend in and truly enjoy your time in Imo, start from here. Tie your wrapper, grab your big bag, hold small cash, and step into the marketplace. Bargain well, smile often, and let the aroma of roasting plantain guide you.

Soon, you won’t just be “that newcomer.” You’ll be that sharp customer everyone wants to sell to. Who knows, your market woman may even keep “better fish” for you next time.