The 24th edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) began yesterday, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The three-day event, organised by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, brings together key players in the local and international book industry for exhibitions, conferences, networking, and discussions on the future of publishing.
This year’s theme, “Local Paper Production: Panacea to Affordable Book Production and Qualitative Education,” focuses on how reviving paper production in Nigeria can reduce the cost of books and improve access to education.
The International Conference features the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh. Discussions will centre on finding local solutions to rising book production costs.
Keynote speaker Professor Abiodun Oluwafemi Oluwadare from the University of Ibadan’s Department of Forest Production and Products is expected to provide insights on local paper manufacturing.
A panel discussion moderated by Olugbemi Malomo, former president of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), includes Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; the CEO of Nixin Paper Mill Nigeria Ltd; and Rogers Nforgwei, MD/CEO of NMI Education, Cameroon.
The Nigerian Book Fair Trust Chairman, Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, said reviving Nigeria’s paper industry is crucial to reducing book costs and promoting education.
“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, now in its third edition, is also part of the fair. It focuses on “Overcoming the Global Competitiveness Challenge in our Tertiary Education Landscape.” Vice Chancellors from the University of Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State University, and the Rector of Yaba College of Technology are attending. Professor Hope Eghagha of UNILAG is moderating the session.
Other fair highlights include children’s programmes, school activities, and a business networking dinner.
NIBF 2025 runs until Friday, May 9. It is open to the public and welcomes students, educators, publishers, authors, and policymakers from Nigeria and abroad.
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