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As Valentine’s Day fever grips Lagos, an interesting trend has emerged from the city’s bustling markets — men are overwhelmingly leading the charge in gift purchases this season. Vendors across major commercial hubs in Lagos have revealed that male buyers have dominated Valentine shopping, with an estimated ratio of 15 men to every one woman purchasing gifts. From Oshodi to Balogun Market, and even in high-end shopping districts, the pattern remains the same: men are spending big to impress.
Perfumes and Wigs Lead the Pack: According to traders, perfumes and wigs are the hottest-selling Valentine items this year. Imported fragrances — ranging from designer brands to affordable luxury scents — are flying off the shelves. Wig vendors are also smiling to the bank as men scoop up human hair bundles and ready-made wigs in different styles and lengths.Other popular items include: Handbags, Shoes, Jewelry, Teddy bears, Customized gift boxes. But it’s clear that beauty-related gifts are topping the charts.
Why the Surge? Market observers attribute the surge to several factors: Cultural Expectations: Valentine’s Day in Nigeria often places gifting responsibility more heavily on men. Social Media Pressure: Online trends and “soft life” expectations may be pushing men to go all out.
Relationship Dynamics: Many men reportedly see Valentine’s Day as a strategic opportunity to strengthen bonds or make romantic statements.Some vendors even noted that repeat customers are buying multiple gifts — possibly for more than one “Val.”
Where Are the Women? While women are certainly shopping, traders insist the numbers are nowhere near that of men. Some female buyers reportedly focus more on small tokens like cards, cakes, or personalized items rather than high-ticket purchases.
Love or Pressure? The development has sparked conversations about whether Valentine’s Day is becoming financially demanding for men. With the rising cost of living, some critics argue that the season now feels more like a spending competition than a celebration of love. Yet, despite the debates, Lagos markets are buzzing — and business owners are grateful. One thing is certain: this Valentine’s season, Lagos men are not playing.
