Ariaria

Ariaria refers primarily to the Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it is one of the largest markets in Nigeria and in West Africa, serving as a major commercial hub for the region. The market comprises a dense network of shops and workshops with a strong emphasis on leather production and related goods such as shoes, bags, and belts, as well as textiles, clothing, and household items. Many traders operate small manufacturing units that produce finished goods for local and regional customers, with some products reaching export markets.

The market has a long-standing role in the local economy, employing a large number of people and supporting informal-sector crafts. It is organized into submarkets and streets that specialize in particular product lines and is governed by market associations under the oversight of local authorities. Ariaria is often described as Nigeria's Leather City due to the concentration of leather artisans and leather goods manufacturing. Over time, authorities and market associations have pursued modernization efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, security, and traffic flow, while addressing challenges such as electricity reliability and informal trading regulation.