Welcome to Epe, the largest home of fish in Lagos and, arguably, Nigeria
Epe is a town and Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State, Nigeria, located on the north side of the Lekki Lagoon. It is a Yoruba town located next to the Lagos lagoon with 294 rural and 24 semi-urban communities. Epe is known for its fish market which feeds off the hard work of those men and women whose lives depend on the lagoon – and the fish inside it.
People riding in a canoe (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
The water-front town
Epe lies on the north bank of the coastal Lagos lagoon and is a collecting point for the export of fish. It is no surprise then that fishing is the major occupation of its locals, including men, women and children.
Woman beside Lagos lagoon (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Surveying the lagoon
The lagoon is over 50 km long and varies from 3 km to 13 km wide. Thus, its banks can be mostly seen from either side. It is fairly shallow and is not plied by ships but by smaller barges and boats. This makes it possible for subsistence fishing to be carried out in it.
A View of Epe Fish Market (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Woman Cleaning Out Her Boat (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Everyone fishes
Both men and women engage in fishing. While more men than women go deep offshore to catch fish, the women also have their fair share of deep fishing activity.
Boy submerged in water (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Livelihood and leisure
The lagoon is both a source of livelihood and leisure. Children bathe and swim close to the shore. Shrimps and other small fish are caught there too.
Back view of Epe fish market (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Fisherman fishing in Epe Waters (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Catching fish among the lilies
For some fishermen, it is sufficient to remain close to the shore where the water lilies fill the surface. These are known as private fishing areas.
Fisherman and his tool (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Simple tools for simple fish
Beneath the water plants are small fish which can be caught using simpler fishing tools than dragnets.
Man showing fish caught (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Epe Private Fishing Area (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Woman fishing for crayfish (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Setting fish traps
For those who don't go deep offshore, traps can be prepared for catching smaller fish like shrimps and crayfish. This woman set off with her boat to to pick up the fish traps she had planted at different points in the lagoon.
Woman preparing crayfish baskets (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Placing baskets into the water (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Pulling the trap from the water
The traps are made with thin strips of wood which are tied together at one end. When the fish find their way into the trap, they are unable to get out and remain there until the trap is retrieved.
Woman crayfish trader (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
All smiles after the day's job
Whether they're catching fish in the deep, by the shore or in private fishing areas, the people of Epe earn their livelihood on the lagoon. Fishing is life, and there's always a reason to be happy about it.
Ready to sail (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Getting set for the deep
Beyond the private fishing area demarcated by bamboo sticks is the wider body of Lagoon water. Fishermen, often stripped for work, go there with their boats and dragnets to catch larger fish.
Man rowing canoe (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Man working on fishing nets (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Preparing the fishing net
The fisherman goes into the deep portion of the lagoon with his boat and net. The fishing nets are made of mesh usually formed by knotting a relatively thin thread. The size of the net could vary up to about four meters in diameter.
Fishing net floaters (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Man casting fishing net over waters (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Man Setting His Fishing Net (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Casting the net
Weights are attached to the net so that they float on the surface and are seen by the fisherman. The net is thrown by hand in such a manner that it spreads out on the water and sinks. Fish are caught as the net is hauled back in.
Fish in a basket (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Fishing Baskets Hung On The Bridge Rails (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Baskets with a purpose
On the shore, baskets are hung on the rails of the bridge behind the market where the lagoon meets with traders. The baskets serve various purposes: for catching fish, for buying fish from local fishermen and for preserving fish for sale.
Demarcated area of Epe fish market (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Fish Preserved In A Basket To Be Sold (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Keeping the fish alive
For some of the women traders, the baskets are used to keep captured fish alive by submerging the baskets, with the fish in them, halfway into the water. That way, the fish do not escape.
Selecting Fish From The Basket (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Fresh fish
When the fish are ready to be sold, the traders (usually women) remove the baskets from the water and take out the fish which, at this stage, are still fresh.
Fresh fish (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
Ready for the market
Some of the fish caught are taken to the home of the fisherman or woman, but most are sold in the market either as fresh fish or as grilled fish that can be roasted.
Fishing neighborhood in Epe market (2019) by The Centenary ProjectThe Centenary Project
The heart and soul of Epe fish market
The fishing community is the heart and soul of Epe fish market. Skilled fishermen and women pass on their skills to the next generation, keeping the tradition and expertise alive.
Curator: Patrick Enaholo
Research: Omotunde Omojola
Photographs: Chris Udoh
Text: Patrick Enaholo
Text editor: Munachim Amah
Special thanks to:
The men and women of Epe fish market community
© The Centenary Project