Lagos, May 15, 2026 Key players in Nigeria’s publishing sector have renewed calls for stronger regulations and coordinated policies to revive the industry and tackle persistent challenges affecting book production and distribution nationwide.
The appeal was made during a roundtable session organised by the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) in Lagos as part of activities marking the ongoing International Book Fair at the National Theatre.
Publishers, authors, librarians and education experts at the gathering urged the Federal Government to reactivate the National Book Council established during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to the participants, reviving the council would help streamline activities across the country’s book and publishing ecosystem.
The discussion, themed “The Future of Publishing in Nigeria: Survival, Scale and Sustainability,” examined issues such as declining reading habits, inadequate library systems, piracy, increasing production expenses and the impact of evolving technology on local publishers.
Speakers noted that the proposed council was expected to coordinate the activities of publishers, writers, printers, booksellers, librarians and relevant government institutions to promote effective policies for the growth of the book industry.
President of the Nigerian Publishers Association, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, said the publishing industry required proper structure and oversight because of its importance to national development.
He emphasised that books remained essential to education and called on government authorities to involve publishers in decisions concerning educational content and industry-related policies.
A younger participant at the event also pushed back against the belief that digital platforms had completely replaced physical books.
The Gen Z attendee said printed books still offered a unique and more engaging reading experience compared to digital formats.
Among notable personalities at the event were respected scholar and author Prof. Olu Obafemi, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, and the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi.
Also in attendance was Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, alongside other stakeholders who stressed the need for policy reforms to ensure long-term growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s publishing industry.