The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), on Thursday, announced major activities to commemorate its 60th anniversary, unveiling plans for a N1 billion ultra-modern secretariat, renewed anti-piracy efforts, and deeper collaboration with government to improve access to quality education.
Speaking at a press conference at the association’s secretariat in Ibadan, NPA President, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, said this year’s annual conference, scheduled for December 4, 2025, will be historic, as it coincides with the diamond jubilee of the body founded in 1965 by pioneers such as Revd. T.T. Solaru, Chief Aigboje Higo, Chief F.A. Iwerebon, Mr G.O. Onibonoje and others.
Dauda said the conference, with the theme “Publishing in Nigeria: 60 Years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion,” will highlight the evolution of publishing in the country and its future in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Renowned writer and PAWA Secretary-General, Dr Wale Okediran, will deliver the keynote address.
The NPA boss noted that the association has, for six decades, played a defining role in supporting quality education through the provision of affordable instructional materials, collaboration on education policy, and partnership with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in the fight against piracy.
“Over the years, publishers have stood in the gap to ensure students have access to quality books aligned with national curriculum standards. Our advocacy, partnerships and interventions have helped sustain Nigeria’s book ecosystem,” he said.
The president lamented persistent challenges facing the industry, particularly piracy and poor payment practices by some book buyers, mostly private school owners, who delay remittances for long periods despite enjoying credit facilities. He described the practice as one that “kills business and undermines the industry.”
Dauda also warned customers who knowingly patronise pirates, saying such actions place them “in the same criminal category as those destroying the publishing profession.”
On technological adaptation, the NPA President said publishing houses are gradually integrating artificial intelligence into editorial and manuscript processes, but stressed that human verification remains indispensable to avoid plagiarism and legal pitfalls.
Dauda emphasised that government must work more closely with practitioners to ensure education policies translate into accessible learning materials.
“Government needs to collaborate with us. They are administrators; we are the practitioners. You cannot design policies in education without involving publishers and expect meaningful success,” he said.
The 60th anniversary event, holding at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, will feature the launch of the association’s planned ultra-modern office complex targeted at N1 billion, to be funded by member-organisations and partners within and outside the publishing ecosystem.
Dignitaries expected include foreign missions, former Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Governing Council member Deacon Solomon Adeleke, who will chair the occasion; the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde as Special Guest of Honour, and the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, as Special Guest.
Outstanding individuals, member-firms and foreign partners who have contributed to the growth of the industry will also be honoured with awards.
The two-day programme will conclude with the association’s Annual General Meeting on December 5 at the NPA headquarters in Ibadan.
Dauda appealed to the media for support in publicising the landmark celebration, saying, “Without you, we may not be able to do much; with you, we can move mountains.”
He expressed optimism that the next decade would see improved innovation, wider accessibility, and stronger government–industry collaboration in Nigeria’s publishing sector.
