By Sunkanmi Adewunmi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
Ikeja City Mall feels less like a shopping center and more like Lagos’s new village square. At all hours it buzzes with life — couples lingering over ice cream, kids tugging parents to the arcade, and friends catching up over coffee after errands. It mirrors the Lagos lifestyle of mixing business with pleasure under one roof. No wonder “ICM” is one of the hottest hangout spots in the city.
With more than 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots in one air-conditioned space, there’s truly something for everyone.
A Hub for Families and Couples
Weekends often turn Ikeja Mall into a family carnival. Parents relax at restaurants while kids explore the indoor play zone or gaming arcade. After a meal, whether from fast-food staples like KFC or local spots like The Place — families often head to Silverbird Cinemas for the latest Nollywood or Hollywood release.
For couples, the mall doubles as a date spot: a shared pizza, an ice-cream cone, and maybe a late-night movie. In short, a simple outing can easily stretch into an all-day adventure.
Shopping, Food, and Movies — All in One Place
The sprawling parking lot says it all: ICM is a daily magnet for Lagosians. Inside, Silverbird Cinema remains the star attraction, but it’s surrounded by dozens of eateries and cafés. Within the food court, you can move from spicy jollof rice to New York-style pizza, or from a juicy burger to creamy scoops at Cold Stone Creamery.
Shopping is just as varied. Shoppers stock up at Shoprite, then wander into fashion, beauty, or gadget stores. Nigerian labels like Woodin sit alongside global brands such as NIKE, Mango, Pandora, and Swarovski. And yes — the mall even introduced a small indoor ice-skating rink, a rare novelty in Lagos that adds a touch of adventure to the usual routine.
Hustlers, Creatives, and the Lagos Scene
Beyond retail and food, Ikeja City Mall has become a hub for Lagos’s hustlers and creatives. Tech entrepreneurs host quick client meetings at Mugg & Bean, freelancers set up laptops in cafés with free Wi-Fi, and hairstylists network outside salons.
Content creators, too, have claimed the mall as their backdrop. Bright signage, stylish crowds, and photogenic storefronts make it a favourite for Instagram shots and TikTok skits. On weekends, you’ll often find influencers filming fashion hauls or dance videos against its colourful settings.
The Modern Village Square
What makes Ikeja City Mall stand out isn’t just the shopping or cinemas. It’s the atmosphere — a blend of world-class convenience and old-school community. Families, friends, entrepreneurs, and creatives all cross paths here, turning the mall into more than a retail space.
In a fast-paced city, ICM offers something rare: a modern gathering spot with the warmth of a village square. Whether you’re on a date, out with family, hustling over coffee, or shooting content for social media, the mall has a way of pulling you in.
And that’s why Ikeja City Mall isn’t just one of the best things to do in Ikeja. It has become the heartbeat of Lagos life today.
