How to Self-Publish a Book in Lagos (2026): A Guide for Authors
The short answer
To self-publish a book in Lagos, get your ISBN from the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) through its online portal, have the manuscript professionally edited and designed, then deposit three copies with the NLN once the book is published. Harmony Publishing Ltd is based in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and works with authors across Nigeria.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing
The Lagos book trade
Lagos is where much of Nigeria's publishing trade is concentrated. University Press PLC, a Nigerian publisher, runs two depots in Lagos, and the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) is the sector body for publishers.
Serving authors across Nigeria
You do not need to live in Lagos to publish with us. We work with authors across Nigeria online, including in Ibadan (home of the University of Ibadan campus bookshop, a centre of Nigerian university-press culture), Abuja (where The Booksellers Ltd trades in Garki II and University Press PLC has a depot), Port Harcourt (home of Paperworth Books, a publishing house founded in 2002) and Kano (where University Press PLC has a depot). We do not have an office in these cities.
Sources: University Press PLC: depots · The Conversation: a university bookshop in Ibadan · Paperworth Books: about us
Key facts for authors in Lagos
ISBN: the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) issues Nigerian ISBNs
Apply through the NLN ISBN portal: create an online profile, then apply for an ISBN. The NLN also runs a Nigerian ISBN Registry where you can check that an ISBN is genuine. Each format (paperback, hardcover, eBook) needs its own ISBN.
Sources: NLN ISBN portal · NLN: Nigerian ISBN Registry
Legal deposit: three copies to the National Library of Nigeria
The legal deposit law of Nigeria requires three copies of any book published in Nigeria to be deposited with the National Library of Nigeria. The obligation and the penalties for failing to deposit are set out in section 4 of the National Library of Nigeria Act 1970.
Sources: National Library of Nigeria: legal deposit · National Library of Nigeria Act 1970
Sector body: the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA)
The NPA is the trade association for publishers in Nigeria, and the first place to look to understand the local trade.
How Harmony Publishing works with authors in Lagos
We're a full-service self-publishing company. You keep 100% of your royalties and 100% of your rights, ISBN and files, forever. Our Nigerian office is Harmony Publishing Ltd, Plot 8 The Providence St, opposite Halifield School, Lekki Phase 1 106104, Lagos, and visits are welcome by appointment. We handle editing, cover design, interior layout, ISBN setup, eBook conversion and distribution. Prices on this site are in naira; see the packages page for what each package includes.
Prices on this site are in naira. See the packages page for the current price list.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an ISBN in Lagos?
ISBNs in Nigeria are issued by the National Library of Nigeria (NLN). Create an online profile on the NLN ISBN portal, then apply for an ISBN. Each format of your book needs its own ISBN.
How many copies of my book must I deposit?
The legal deposit law of Nigeria requires three copies of any book published in Nigeria to be deposited with the National Library of Nigeria.
Does Harmony Publishing have an office in Lagos?
Yes. Harmony Publishing Ltd is at Plot 8 The Providence St, opposite Halifield School, Lekki Phase 1 106104, Lagos. Office visits are welcome by appointment.
Can I publish with you if I live outside Lagos?
Yes. We work with authors across Nigeria online. You do not need to be in Lagos.
How much does it cost to publish a book in Lagos?
Costs depend on editing, cover design, formatting and printing. See our packages page for the current price list in naira.