Mammy market

Mammy Market is a feature within Nigerian military barracks and National Youth Service Corps camps. It plays a role as a social and economic centre for military personnel and their families. The history of Mammy Markets is associated with Mammy Maria Ochefu, who, in 1959, embarked on a venture to supplement her family's income by selling soft drinks, including the millet-based beverage known as kunu. Her determination, coupled with the support of the barracks community, led to the establishment of dedicated spaces within barracks for her enterprise, giving rise to what is now known as "Mammy Market."

These markets have evolved beyond their military origins, expanding to various military installations across Nigeria and even finding a place in NYSC camps and academic institutions, where areas for food sales are often informally referred to as "Mammy Markets." Today, Mammy Markets continue to serve as commercial centers, offering a range of products, including food, clothing, electronics, and household items.