Aboh-Ndoni Market at junction of Ndoni Creek with the Niger

In P.A. Talbot’s book “Tribes of The Niger Delta”, which examines various communities and their cultures in the Niger Delta, he refers to places like Aboh and Ndoni, important riverine communities with significant historical relevance in the region’s trade and cultural development. .

The written record

The Aboh-Ndoni market was more than just a site for economic transactions; it also acted as a meeting point for cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups, including the Igbo tribes, Ijaw tribes, and other Niger Delta communities. The markets along the Niger were critical in creating a cosmopolitan trade environment that linked not only the Delta but also the hinterlands of West Africa.

Historical context

Talbot’s works highlighted how these markets contributed to the economic and cultural fabric of Southern Nigeria, particularly during the colonial period. While his writings often focused on the socio-political structures of the time, the market system, especially at strategic locations like Ndoni Creek, showcased the importance of water transport and trade in shaping the Delta’s economic and social landscapes.