How To Obtain An ISBN Number In Nigeria (2025)
This article is about how to obtain an ISBN number in Nigeria currently in this year 2025. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier that differentiates books and allows for their effective global distribution in the publishing industry. Getting an ISBN number is a very important step for writers and publishers in Nigeria, as it is in many other nations who want to make their literary works more accessible to a larger audience. We will take you through the step by step processes of getting an ISBN number in Nigeria in this article, from understanding what an ISBN is to submitting an application for it. Kindly continue reading to find out more.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBER (ISBN): A BRIEF OVERVIEW
The 13-digit International Standard Book Number (ISBN) serves as a standard method of identifying books worldwide. It gives important details regarding the title, author, publisher, and edition of the book. Distributors, libraries, and bookstores in Nigeria and the world over, can all readily track, order, and classify books thanks to an ISBN. The official organization in charge of issuing ISBNs in Nigeria is the National Library of Nigeria (NLN).
GUIDE ON HOW TO OBTAIN AN ISBN NUMBER IN NIGERIA 2025
The following are the step by step processes on how to obtain an ISBN number in Nigeria this 2025 if you are a writer or publisher wishing to get one for your work:
GET YOUR BOOK READY
Make sure your book is complete, edited, and prepared for publication before you start the ISBN application process. This entails having a decided title, author, and other important information.
PUBLISHER REGISTRATION NUMBER (PRN) APPLICATION
You must request a Publisher’s Registration Number (PRN) from the National Library of Nigeria if you are a publisher or self-publisher. To receive ISBNs, you must have this number. Send an application to the NLN along with the necessary paperwork, such as a certificate of business registration and a sample of your published work, to be considered for a PRN.
GATHER THE NEEDED INFORMATION
Gather all the information you need about your book, such as:
- Title
- Subtitle (if applicable)
- Author(s)
- Translator(s) or editor(s) (if applicable)
- Edition number
- Publisher’s name and address
- Publication date
- Format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook).
COMPLETE THE ISBN APPLICATION FORM
To obtain the ISBN application form, go to the National Library of Nigeria’s website or any of their physical locations. Complete the form entirely and correctly, including all the relevant book-related information.
SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
Send to the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) the filled-out application form and any necessary documentation. Verify again that all the data is correct and up-to-date to prevent procedure delays.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
The NLN will examine your application and validate the information provided. Be patient as this process can take some time. The NLN will get in touch with you if there are any errors or problems to get more information.
OBTAIN YOUR ISBN
When your application is accepted, the NLN will issue your book an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This special number will be linked to the metadata for your book and can be used for ordering, distributing, and cataloging functions.
USE YOUR ISBN
You can now put your received ISBN on the copyright page, cover, and other important information for your book. This makes sure that potential readers and buyers can quickly recognize and find your book.
CONCLUSION
In order to establish their books in the market, writers and publishers must first obtain an ISBN number. Through a clearly defined process, the National Library of Nigeria is instrumental in Nigeria’s issuance of ISBN numbers. You will be well on your way to getting your literary work an ISBN number by following the guidelines in this article. This will increase its accessibility and visibility in domestic as well as foreign markets.
