Working Lives: The Market Porter at Mile 12 Market From Sokoto
“Looking back to when I got to Lagos and had nowhere to sleep, and where I am right now, I am thankful. There has been some improvement at least. But I would be happy to start getting construction gigs again. That would bring in more cash. But God knows best.”
Where are you from?
I am from Sokoto State, but I didn’t grow up there. My family lived in Kubwa, Abuja, where my dad worked as a laborer for a construction company, and my mom sold wara (local cheese). I’m one of five children.
What brought you to Lagos, and when did you arrive?
I first came to Lagos in 2008 with my dad, who brought me along to work on a construction project. We were digging the ground, and I came as an extra hand to earn some money. I was amazed by Lagos. It’s a place where, as long as you are not lazy, you can always find something to do. The next year, when I was just 16, I returned to Lagos on my own to live here.
How did you start working at Mile 12 Market?
Initially, I worked as a laborer for construction companies, doing jobs like digging and carrying materials. But when the connection we relied on for those gigs disappeared, I needed an alternative. That’s when I turned to market porter work. I started at Agege Market but later moved to Mile 12 Market for a change of environment. I’ve now been working in Mile 12 for several years, carrying groceries and other goods for customers.
What’s life like working at Mile 12 Market?
Mile 12 Market is always bustling with activity. My best days are when it doesn’t rain because the market becomes chaotic in bad weather. I set a daily income target for myself because this is Lagos—you have to stay sharp.
The work is physically demanding, but I’ve learned how to relate well with customers. I speak some Yoruba and Pidgin, which helps me communicate better compared to some others here. Most days, I work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though I sometimes take on extra work over the weekends to meet my weekly target of ₦4,000.
What’s your typical daily routine?
I live in a room I share with another porter in Mile 12. We split the ₦4,000 monthly rent. It costs me about ₦200 to get to the market and back home. During the day, I spend around ₦200–₦300 on meals. The rest of my earnings are budgeted for rent or other essentials.
On weekends, I relax with my friends. I smoke, and that takes about ₦1,000 out of my weekly income. Occasionally, I give some money to a girl I’m close to, about ₦1,500 every two weeks.
What’s your most memorable experience with customers?
I haven’t had any shocking encounters, thankfully. I know how to relate with people well, and my understanding of local languages gives me an edge. When I see a customer, I assess how much they might be willing to pay. Some customers are generous and might tip ₦400–₦500, while others pay as little as ₦100.
Do you see yourself leaving Mile 12 Market someday?
Right now, I’m focused on surviving and paying my rent. I don’t have big plans for leaving the market or venturing into other businesses. If construction gigs come my way again, I’d be happy to take them. For now, God is providing for me, and I’m grateful for where I am today compared to when I first came to Lagos.
Mile 12 Market has become more than just a workplace for this porter—it’s a lifeline. Despite the challenges, he remains resilient and hopeful, navigating Lagos’s tough hustle with determination and gratitude.
