A Lagos woman has explained her unusual routine of heading to Mile 12 market before dawn, showing followers what the sprawling wholesale hub looks like when most of the city still sleeps.
The woman, who shared her experience on social media, said the early morning trips help her beat the crowd and secure the best deals on fresh produce and goods. She said vendors at the market start their day from around 2am, setting up stalls and arranging stock before the main rush begins.
In videos she posted, the market appeared mostly empty at 3:30am, with only scattered vendors and a handful of early risers moving between stalls. The atmosphere looked calm and manageable compared to what Mile 12 becomes by 6am, when thousands of traders and buyers flood the market.
She said going at that time means she can pick through quality items without the pushing and shouting that makes daytime shopping exhausting. The woman also noted that early morning shopping takes less time overall, allowing her to be back home and settled before the day gets busy.
Her posts drew reactions from other Lagosians who said they either did the same thing or had never thought of it. Some praised her strategy while others said the early morning hours felt too risky or that they simply could not wake that early.
Mile 12 market, one of Lagos's largest wholesale markets, operates daily from the early hours and serves thousands of traders who buy goods to resell in their neighbourhoods. The market is known for competitive prices, but shopping during peak hours means dealing with heavy crowds, traffic, and the stress that comes with navigating such a busy space.
