From Damiete Braide
The 24th Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Organised by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, the three-day event will unite stakeholders from Nigeria and the global book ecosystem for exhibitions, conferences, networking, and discussions on the publishing industry’s future.
This year’s theme, “Local Paper Production: Panacea to Affordable Book Production and Qualitative Education,” addresses the critical issue of local paper production. The International Conference will feature Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Senator John Owan Enoh, focusing on reducing book costs through domestic solutions.
Professor Abiodun Oluwafemi Oluwadare from the University of Ibadan’s Department of Forest Production and Products will deliver the keynote address. A panel discussion, moderated by Olugbemi Malomo, past president of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), will include Segun Ajayi-Kadir (Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria), the CEO of Nixin Paper Mill Nigeria Limited, and Rogers Nforgwei (MD/CEO, NMI Education, Cameroon).
Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, stressed the need to revive Nigeria’s paper production to curb rising book costs, which hinder education and publishing. “We hope this conference will catalyse solutions that return Nigeria to self-sufficiency in paper production, boost employment, and make educational materials more accessible,” he said.
The Tertiary Education Summit, in its third edition, will explore “Overcoming the Global Competitiveness Challenge in our Tertiary Education Landscape.” Vice Chancellors, including Professor Folasade Ogunsola (University of Lagos), Professor Enase Okonedo (Pan-Atlantic University), and Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello (Lagos State University), alongside the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, will participate. Professor Hope Eghagha of the University of Lagos will moderate.
The fair also features a children’s segment, school activities, and a business networking dinner. With attendees from Africa and beyond, NIBF 2025 remains a vibrant platform for books, rights, and cultural exchange. It runs from May 7 to May 9, open to the public, welcoming enthusiasts, educators, publishers, and policymakers.