The Ilorin Central Market is one of the largest and most active markets in north-central Nigeria. It sprawls across a large area near the city centre, its sections organized by trade: dyers' alleys where cloth hangs in long indigo curtains, sections for leather goods, metalwork, pottery, and kola nuts. The textile section is the most celebrated — Ilorin has a long tradition of weaving and has been a major centre of the indigo-dyed fabric trade.
The market is busy from early morning until late afternoon every day. It is chaotic and hot, but navigable with patience. Prices are negotiable; the initial ask for a foreigner will be high. The textile goods — particularly the locally woven aso-oke fabric used for ceremonial dress — are worth buying here if you are heading further into Nigeria.