By Ejiofor Toochi
A few years ago, many would have argued that the reading culture in Nigeria, especially among the younger generation, was dying. The rise of social media, many believed, had pulled people away from books and into the scroll. But look around today online and off, and you’ll find a different story entirely.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians are engaging in lively conversations about authors, books, and fictional characters. Online book clubs are thriving, and discussions about new releases and old classics trend regularly. This renewed interest is spilling over into the real world. Bookstores are seeing increased patronage, with readers proudly sharing how many books they’ve read in a month or a year. The recent release of Chimamanda Adichie’s new book and the biography by Femi Otedola, for instance, stirred up significant excitement and strong sales, proving that a love for literature is still very much alive.
The internet, ironically, has become the engine of this revival. “I used to think reading was boring, but now BookTok has made me pick up at least one book a month,” says Chimmuanya, a university student in Lagos who now enjoys young adult fiction. The rise of communities on Bookstagram and BookTok has made sharing recommendations and reviews easier than ever. For young Nigerians, seeing people their age discuss books online encourages them to pick up a book themselves. Ebooks have also made reading more accessible, putting thousands of titles in readers’ pockets at little to no cost.
As Esther, an avid reader, explains, “Since the rise of ebooks and audiobooks, you have people picking up books more. We also have BookTok and reader groups on WhatsApp, where reading is encouraged. I’m in one myself, and it helps a lot. Being amongst a company of like-minded people is a huge motivator.”
This renewed energy is also breathing new life into physical bookstores. Places like Roving Heights, Ouida, Patabah, and Terra Kulture’s bookstores are no longer just shops; they are building communities where readers gather for conversations, book launches, and author signings.
So, is Nigeria falling in love with reading again? For many, the answer is a resounding “yes.” As Esther believes, “I think it’s coming back for good. More people are talking about reading these days, and I don’t think it will die soon.” The digital age hasn’t killed the Nigerian reading culture, it’s simply helped it evolve and flourish.
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