6 Businesses That Make Millions at Trade Fair Market in Lagos

Over the weekend, I visited the famous Trade Fair Market in Lagos to speak with traders — and honestly, the numbers I heard could make anyone rethink their 9-5 job.

Many of these business owners are pulling in so much money every week, they could easily earn a spot on Forbes’ rich list if anyone paid close attention.

Yet, they operate quietly behind market stalls, warehouses, and bulk shops, building multi-million naira businesses without the noise.

For those who may not know, the Lagos Trade Fair Complex isn’t your regular street market. It’s a massive commercial hub located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, home to various business associations and thousands of entrepreneurs.

It has grown over the years to become one of West Africa’s largest trade centers, attracting wholesale and retail buyers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

The complex is a city on its own — everything you need, from household items to beauty products, fashion, electronics, auto parts, and even food items, is sold here at incredibly affordable prices.

But behind the busy stalls and bustling walkways lies a select group of businesses that have turned ordinary products into money-making machines.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind those market gates, here are six businesses at Trade Fair Market where entrepreneurs are quietly cashing out big time:

1. Jewelry and Accessories

The jewelry trade is one of the most profitable ventures at Trade Fair. Walk through the market and you’ll find stores stacked with costume jewelry, sterling silver, gold-plated accessories, and everything in between.

Traders import in bulk from China, India, and Dubai, and sell to retailers, online vendors, and individual customers at a profit margin that can sometimes hit 80-100%.

During festive periods and wedding seasons, many jewelry dealers record millions in weekly sales.

2. Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Beauty never goes out of style — and the cosmetics sector proves it every day. From skincare products to makeup, perfumes, and beauty tools, Trade Fair is a one-stop destination for beauty business owners.

Many traders here import directly from international suppliers, which gives them an edge in pricing and variety.

Some of the biggest cosmetics dealers in Nigeria run their business out of Trade Fair, supplying beauty shops, spas, and online vendors nationwide.

3. Hair Extensions and Wigs

The hair business is another goldmine at Trade Fair. The demand for human hair extensions, synthetic wigs, closures, and frontals is huge, and traders here have carved out a strong niche supplying quality hair at wholesale prices.

Many dealers import container loads of hair products monthly and distribute them across the country. For some of these traders, daily sales run into millions of naira, especially when they supply in bulk to salon owners, hair influencers, and beauty retailers.

4. Perfumes and Fragrances

Another booming business at Trade Fair is the perfume trade. Traders sell everything from oil-based Arabian fragrances to designer-inspired scents at wholesale rates.

Many traders source their products directly from Dubai and Egypt, cutting out middlemen and maximizing profits.

On a good week, a perfume dealer can sell thousands of units to customers who come to the market specifically for bulk fragrance shopping.

5. Fashion Items (Clothing & Footwear)

Fashion is one of the oldest and most profitable businesses in Trade Fair. Traders here import clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories in large quantities, selling both wholesale and retail.

The margins are attractive — for example, a sneaker purchased for ₦6,500 in bulk can easily be sold for ₦12,000 or more.

Many clothing traders supply boutiques across Nigeria, turning over millions in monthly sales without relying on social media ads or influencer marketing.

6. Tyres and Auto Parts

One of the lesser-known money-making businesses in Trade Fair is the tyre and auto parts business. Hidden behind the buzz of fashion and beauty, tyre dealers run highly lucrative ventures supplying car, truck, and motorcycle tyres in bulk.

Many import directly from China, Turkey, and Europe, selling to mechanics, transport companies, and retailers across the country.

Some tyre traders turn over tens of millions monthly, thanks to the constant demand for auto parts in Nigeria’s growing transportation sector.

If you’re looking to start a business or invest in a profitable venture, this market is proof that wealth can be built in the most unexpected places — all it takes is strategy, access to the right products, and the hustle to make it happen.