As a first time author, it can be a bit tasking to pick from well established publishing companies in Nigeria to self-publishing companies or boutique publishers. The Nigerian Publishers Association has over 1000 publishers as members of the body,
As someone looking to get a manuscript published, it is important that you know the top book publishers in Nigeria to avoid scam. There are many publishing houses, both Nigerian and international that have their own specialities.
The head offices of most of the publishers in Nigeria are in Lagos or Abuja, but the biggest ones have their offices in different States and major citied. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a publishing house in Nigeria, they can be reached through mail or traditional mail or calls for queries as well.
So how do you know to pick the right one?
Let us help you by listing 14 Publishing Companies in Nigeria
Here is a quick introduction to some of the best book publishing houses in Nigeria:
#1. Cassava Republic Press
Cassava Republic Press is a pioneering African publishing company established in Nigeria in 2006, led by Bibi Bakare-Yusuf. The press is dedicated to making literature affordable, nurturing local talent, and amplifying the voices of African writers who are often only celebrated in Europe and America.
Their mission is to “change the way we all think about African writing” by creating a diverse body of work that connects writers across various times and spaces. Recognized as a central force in a vibrant literary movement, Cassava Republic Press has played a significant role in the success of Nigerian and other African writers, both locally and internationally.
#2. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited
In 1945, the British publishing firm Evans Brothers Limited commissioned a consultant, Dr. L. C. Larcombe, to travel to Nigeria and assess the book needs of the then British colony. Following his research, Dr. Larcombe authored Larcombe’s Progressive Arithmetic (Lower, Middle, and Upper Standard), a textbook series that became the leading resource for primary arithmetic education in Nigeria throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Buoyed by the success of this series and other notable publications like Civics for Self Government by J. R. Bunting, Evans Brothers decided to establish a more substantial presence in Nigeria. The company sent its first resident representative, Ove Stentort, to the university town of Ibadan to promote their interests.
Recognizing the growing importance of education in Nigeria during the 1960s, Evans Brothers opted to develop a more focused publishing strategy in the country, enhancing their marketing and distribution efforts. This culminated in the establishment of a fully-fledged Nigerian branch in December 1966, incorporated under the name Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
#3. Kachifo Limited
Kachifo Limited is an independent publishing house based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2004 by Muhtar Bakare. The company operates under several imprints, including Farafina Books, Farafina Educational, and Prestige Books. From 2004 to 2009, Kachifo also published the influential Farafina Magazine.
Kachifo has played a significant role in postcolonial literature, helping to establish the foundations of a pan-African literary network alongside Cassava Republic Press and Nairobi-based Kwani Trust. The publishing house has been instrumental in launching the careers of several Nigerian authors who have gone on to achieve international acclaim, including Oyinkan Braithwaite, Petina Gappah, and Bisi Adjapon.
#4. Northern Nigerian Publishing Company Limited
The Northern Nigerian Publishing Company Limited, based in Zaria, is one of the oldest publishing Companies in Nigeria in Northern Nigeria. It is the second publishing company in the region, following the Northern Provinces Newsheet established in Kano, both of which specialize in publishing books in Ajami and Hausa.
The company’s publications primarily focus on Nigerian literature, with a particular emphasis on works related to the Hausa language. The Northern Nigerian Publishing Company has published works by some of the most renowned Hausa authors from Northern Nigeria, including Magana Jari Ce and Ruwan Bagaja by Abubakar Imam, Ganɗoki by Muhammadu Bello Kagara, as well as other notable titles such as Shaihu Umar and Jiki Magayi.
#5. University Press plc
University Press plc (UPPLC) is Nigeria’s largest indigenous book publisher. Originally established in 1949 as the Nigerian branch of the British Oxford University Press, it was known as Oxford University Press (OUP), Nigeria. In 1978, following its incorporation as a public liability company, the organization was renamed University Press Limited.
UPPLC has an extensive reach across Nigeria and the West African sub-region, with area offices, depots, showrooms, and representatives strategically located in major cities and towns nationwide, as well as in Accra, Ghana. The company specializes in printing, publishing, and selling books for both educational purposes and general reading.
The board of directors comprises a mix of executive and non-executive members from diverse professional backgrounds.
#6. Masobe Books
Masobe Books, an independent publishing companies in Nigeria, was established in 2018 by Nigerian author Othuke Ominiabohs. Since its inception, the company has risen to prominence as one of the leading publishers of contemporary African literature.
The name “Masobe” originates from the Isoko language spoken by the Isoko people of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, meaning “Let Us Read.” The company’s first publication was Othuke Ominiabohs’s debut novel, Odufa. In addition to its primary imprint, Masobe Books also operates under other imprints, including Makere and Oremaha.
#7. Narrative Landscape Press
Narrative Landscape Press, founded in June 2017, is an independent publishing services and logistics firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. The company provides support to self-publishing authors and small independent presses, helping them bring their works to market. Additionally, Narrative Landscape Press manages the publishing imprint for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
#8. Parrésia Publishers
Parrésia, also known as Parrésia Publishers Ltd, is a Nigerian publishing company founded in 2012 by Azafi Omoluabi Ogosi and Richard Ali. The company was established with the mission of selling books to the Nigerian reading audience while promoting the freedom of imagination and a free press. In 2017, The New York Times recognized Parrésia as one of “a handful of influential new publishing houses” that have emerged in Africa over the past decade.
#10. Book Craft Africa
Book Craft Africa is a well-established name in African book publishing, with a legacy spanning over two decades. Founded in Nigeria, the company has published a wide array of titles across diverse subjects, including politics, literature, biography, and history. Among its notable authors is the late Chinua Achebe.
#11. Black Tower Publishers
Black Tower Publishers, like Grace Springs African Publishers (GSAP), is a Christian-based publishing firm and a leading name in the industry. Located at Black Tower Publishing House, Plot 1, GRA, Awka, it is regarded as one of the top publishers in Southeastern Nigeria.
#12. The New Gong
The New Gong is a prominent name in Nigeria’s publishing industry. Based in Lagos, this is one of the publishing companies in Nigeria that provides a broad spectrum of mass media services, including magazines, books, and image publishing. It also offers photography and illustrations for both print and online publishers.
#13. Grace Springs Africa Publisher
GSAP is a Christian publishing company based in Nigeria, dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus Christ through literature and other publishable materials. Their office is located in Illupeju, Lagos, Nigeria.
#14. Harmony Publishing
Harmony Publishing is a self-publishing company actively engaged in the self-publishing community. They specialize in helping authors bring their books to the world, turning their ideas into published works.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s publishing industry is a dynamic and thriving sector, that offers a wealth of opportunities for authors and readers alike. The 14 publishing companies discussed in this article represent a diverse range of expertise and specializations, catering to various literary interests.
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