LAGOS, Nigeria — Alaba International Market, West Africa’s largest electronics hub, is reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction by cracking down on fraudulent practices. Located in Ojo, Lagos State, the market, which spans over 200 hectares and serves more than two million daily visitors, has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
However, recent incidents of online fraud have prompted the market’s management to take decisive steps to protect customers and restore trust.
In a recent case, a customer from Yenagoa purchased an electronic component worth thousands online from a trader in the market. The seller failed to deliver the item, citing issues with courier services and offering various excuses. Frustrated, the customer lodged a complaint with the market’s Public Relations Officer, Rev Theo Ezeani. Within days, the market’s committee intervened, securing a full refund for the customer.
Speaking to reporters, Reverend Ezeani emphasized the market’s commitment to integrity. “Alaba has built a reputation for quality over decades, and we want the world to know that there is no room for scammers or fraudsters here,” he said. “Our committee is dedicated to ensuring every customer has a safe and satisfactory experience.”
The International Market Association Electronics, led by Chief Camilus Amajuoyi (President General), includes key members such as Mr. Eugene Obiezue (1st Vice President), Hon. Maduabuchi Adiukwu (2nd Vice President), Hon. Benneth Ugochukwu Duru (General Secretary), Mr. Onyekwere Innocent (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Chinedu Cornelius (Financial Secretary), Reverend Theo Ezeani (P.R.O.), Mr. Malachy Osunwa (Treasurer), Mr. Darlington Onuorah (Chief Provost), and Ebuka Agagwu Ezenwa (Assistant Provost).
This leadership team has prioritized transparency and accountability to maintain the market’s standing.
Founded in the late 1970s as a modest open-air market in Alaba-Suru, Alaba International Market grew from a small group of entrepreneurs, including 13 men led by Chief Christopher Chika Ajokorom, into a bustling commercial hub. By the 1980s, it became a key center for electronics trading, driven by Igbo traders importing and assembling components from Asia, Europe, and beyond. The market’s growth accelerated in the mid-1990s when Nigeria relaxed import tariffs, attracting traders from Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Today, with over 30,000 shops, it offers everything from electronics and spare parts to repair services and household appliances, contributing significantly to Lagos State’s economy.
Despite its success, Alaba has faced challenges, including poor infrastructure, piracy, and occasional violent incidents, such as clashes in October 2022.
Online trading, while expanding the market’s reach, has introduced new risks, with some unscrupulous traders exploiting customers. The committee’s swift response to the Yenagoa case signals a proactive approach to addressing these issues.
“We are not just a market; we are a community built on trust,” said Chief Amajuoyi, Chairman. “Whether you shop in person or online, we want every customer to feel confident in Alaba’s quality and fairness.”
The market is also exploring measures to enhance online transactions, such as partnering with reliable courier services and implementing stricter vetting for traders.
These efforts aim to align with Alaba’s legacy as a symbol of Nigerian entrepreneurship and cultural diversity, ensuring it remains a trusted destination for electronics in West Africa.
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