Organisers of Nigeria International Book Fair appeal for gov’t intervention

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), organisers of the annual Nigerian International Book Fair (NIBF), has appealed for immediate government intervention in the book industry. He made this appeal at an event to roll out plans for the 2017 edition of the fair. At a press briefing in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Book […]

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), organisers of the annual Nigerian International Book Fair (NIBF), has appealed for immediate government intervention in the book industry. He made this appeal at an event to roll out plans for the 2017 edition of the fair.

At a press briefing in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Book Fair Trust, Abiodun Omotubi said the participants at the annual book fair are facing enormous challenges that have to do with the harsh economic climate being experienced in the country. He said more than any other time, the book industry needs government’s intervention.

“More than any other time, we may have low turn-out of participants. For instance, as at this time of last year, we had between 60 and 70 participants registered. But as we speak only 40 participants have so far registered for this year’s edition. The number may increase as we approach the event day (May 8-13), but it is apparent we may not get up to those numbers.

“Most of our partners, both within and outside the country, have been complaining about harsh economic realities. Those in Nigeria complained about the economic recession. Those outside are complaining about the country’s economic outlook. But despite all of these, the fair has to go on because it has so far remained the most consistent in Africa,” Omotubi said.

The NBFT executive secretary, however, added that government intervention similar to that of the Nollywood intervention fund, policies and actions will go a long way to redeem the industry.

“In fact, it was in recognition of this intervention effort that we shall be hosting an international conference during the book fair with the theme: ‘Book Chain, Government Policies and Promotion of Good Culture in Africa’ to be delivered by Prof. Dibu Ojerinde and to be chaired by Senator Shehu Sani.

“We have invited the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and we hope to pass some of the resolutions we arrived at to the government after the fair. We also hope to convene a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of government thereafter,” he said.

The Executive Secretary said other programmes lined up for the International Book fair include children programme, authors’ book, teachers’ seminars as well as other seminars and conferences.