VIDEO: MOVEMENT PARALYSED AS LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS OVERWHELM LAGOS’ BALOGUN MARKET

December 30, 2025

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Large crowds on Tuesday flooded Balogun Market on Lagos Island as residents turned out in large numbers for last-minute year-end shopping, bringing movement around the busy commercial district to a near standstill.

A viral video circulating online showed severe congestion within and around the market, with traders and shoppers struggling to move as they jostled for limited space in one of Lagos’ busiest trading hubs.

The footage captured tightly packed walkways and stalled human traffic as buyers rushed to complete end-of-year purchases, including clothes, footwear and household items.

The gridlock has largely been attributed to Nigerians’ long-standing habit of last-minute festive shopping, often referred to as “panic buying,” where many delay purchases until the closing days of the year.

Balogun Market, a major centre for wholesale and retail trade, typically witnesses a surge in patronage during the festive season.

As of the time of filing this report, no incidents had been recorded, although the situation once again underscores the recurring problem of overcrowding during peak festive periods in Lagos.

See video below;