We can trace the advent of book publishing into the era of the colonial administration around the 1920s. During this time, policies were formulated on how the production and importation of English and arithmetic textbooks from Britain should be.
Inception of the Publishing Industry in Nigeria
Efforts were recorded by the post-colonial people from the federal government to create an enabling environment, having to do with the growth of the publishing industry.
In the 60s and 70s, Nigeria had a top-notch book publishing industry with the largest number of publishing companies across African countries.
Caused by the economic downturn of the 1980s, most of the companies collapsed (Ike, 2004), while some began to print in small quantities.
This journey captures certain foreign publishers such as Longman, Oxford, Macmillan, Evans, and Heinemann, dominating the industry and developing the book publishing industry.
The Growing Stage
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Enterprises Promotion Degree of 1978 popularised indigenous publishing, which provided, at least, 60% equity participation in book publishing by Nigerian nationals.
With time, more publishing firms emerged, such as Ibadan University Press, Spectrum Books, Africana First, and Fourth Dimension, reckoned, and encouraged the emergence of local publishers and improved the industry.
Equity shares had been reduced to 40% by the foreign publishing companies but continued to make their remarkable presence industry.
These days, there has been a growing sophistication of printing technology and the emergence of information and communication technologies in the book publishing industry in Nigeria.
The Development
Also, there has been ga improvement with more local publishers. Another issue is that anybody can be a publisher, which is described as under-regulation.
In self-publishing, there has been a common practice in the country in which the professional body for Nigerian book publishers, known as the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) which was established in 1965.
This is incorporated to make efforts to regulate all activities in the industry. So good, so nice, in Nigeria, we can boldly say book publishing has a bright future.
NPA at 60 This Year
The professional body for Nigerian Book Publishers, known as Nigerian Publishers Association (NP, A) at 60 anniversary this year, 2025. The Diamond Anniversary was celebrated with numerous activities.
The body has organised certain invaluable programmes by the management. The synopsis of the programmes was composed below by Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo.
The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) on Thursday, November 27, 2025, formally announced a promise of excellence as it unveiled plans for its Diamond Anniversary, with its President, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, assuring stakeholders and the public of a “top-notch, professionally delivered celebration worthy of sixty years of service to Nigeria and the world of books.”
Press Conference
The assurance was given at a press conference held at the NPA Secretariat, No. 1 Bethlehem Crescent, FRIN/Aleshinloye Road, Jericho Hill GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Association rolled out activities for the anniversary and national conference.
Beyond outlining the programme of events, the President also officially unveiled the anniversary theme, keynote speaker and distinguished guests expected at the landmark celebration.
President’s Speech
Alhaji Dauda disclosed that the celebration would climax on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, with the conference commencing at 9 am GMT, 10amm WAT.
He announced the Diamond Jubilee theme as: “Publishing in Nigeria: 60 Years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion.”
He further disclosed that the Keynote Address would be delivered by Dr Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Accra, Ghana, describing him as “a pan-African literary force whose career embodies the intellectual depth and international relevance of African writing and publishing.”
Alhaji Dauda also revealed that the event would be graced by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, alongside other prominent political office holders, captains of industry, policy influencers, international publishing leaders, writers, scholars and cultural icons from Nigeria and across the world.
According to him, the stature of invited personalities reflects the growing recognition of publishing as a strategic sector in national development, diplomacy and the knowledge economy.
Diamond Anniversary
“The Diamond Anniversary is not a ceremonial marker alone,” the NPA President declared. “It is a national checkpoint, a moment to assess impact, renew purpose and clearly define the road ahead. We are committed to delivering a celebration that mirrors the legacy, depth and responsibility of Nigerian publishing.”
From the outset, the briefing rose above routine programme announcements to become a strategic engagement on the place of publishing in national development, with Alhaji Dauda positioning the NPA not merely as a professional association, but as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s educational and cultural infrastructure.
Association’s Journey
Reflecting on the Association’s journey from a professional guild to a policy-relevant institution, the President noted that over the past sixty years, the NPA has entrenched ethical standards, advanced copyright advocacy, professionalised publishing practice, and expanded indigenous publishing in education and the creative economy.
Our story is intertwined with Nigeria’s growth,” he said. “The book is not just a product, it is a tool of civilisation. Through publishing, we mould thinking, preserve culture and stimulate enterprise.”
According to him, the influence of the Association spans classrooms, libraries, government institutions and the creative industry, shaping learners, teachers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers alike.
Alhaji Dauda framed publishing as an indispensable national utility. “Education cannot travel without books,” he stressed. “Curriculum is raw material; publishing converts it into usable knowledge. Without publishing, education remains intent without impact.”
He disclosed ongoing engagements with government agencies aimed at improving curriculum delivery, expanding access to quality textbooks and strengthening learning outcomes across the country.
Publishing is a business with a conscience.
Rebutting the notion that publishing is merely cultural, Alhaji Dauda described the sector as a driver of economic growth. “Publishing is business with a conscience,” he asserted. “It creates jobs, fuels innovation and sustains value chains across printing, logistics, retail and digital services.”
He acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence in editorial work, production processes and design, but warned against blind dependence. “AI is a powerful assistant, but total reliance invites legal and ethical risks, particularly around copyright and authorship.”
He revealed that the NPA is developing frameworks to guide responsible technology adoption within the industry.
Copyright Security
On copyright protection, he reaffirmed: “The credibility of the Association was earned, not gifted. It stands on integrity, professionalism and compliance with standards.”
Reaffirming commitment to local content development, the President noted that Nigerian publications now circulate widely across Africa and the diaspora. “We go global by staying authentically Nigerian. Global relevance does not require cultural erasure.”
Tributes were paid to pioneers and past leaders whose sacrifices laid the Association’s foundation. “Their courage, sacrifice and vision built the NPA we inherit today. At sixty, we honour them not with nostalgia, but by deepening the work they began.”
Conclusion
As the press briefing drew to a close, Alhaji Dauda extended an open invitation to government institutions, educators, industry partners, development agencies and the general public to participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebration.
“This celebration belongs not only to publishers. It belongs to everyone who believes in education, culture and national progress.”
With that call, the Nigerian Publishers Association formally set in motion a historic Diamond Anniversary that promises to be reflective, visionary and worthy of six decades defined by books, ideas and nation-building. Read the similar post on this page.
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
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