11 fascinating books you should read before visiting Nigeria

If you are looking for books on how to avoid been kidnapped by Boko Haram or the Niger Delta avengers, you have come to the wrong list. Nigeria’s reputation for terrorism, crime and Internet fraud is just sensational press coverage.

While most Nigerian books like Adichie, Achebe share themes of colonialism, inter-tribal conflict, and the Nigerian civil war, this short list is bound together by issues facing the new Nigeria: oil money, religious intolerance, white privilege, patriarchy, youth in governance, democracy, overpopulation, transition, identity, healing, poverty, traditionalism, dreams and a new kind of corruption. These are the themes that tie together the landscape of Nigeria today.

These books are your gateway to understanding the depth of people, culture, conflict and conversations in Nigeria from the final years of the civil war to the era of democracy. This list can also double as a guide to important voices in Nigerian literature right now.

If you are visiting Nigeria for the first time, buy all these books :)

1. Everyday is for the Thief by Teju Cole

Every Day is for the Thief is about a young man living in New York City who goes to Lagos for a short and bewildering visit. Through a series of cinematic portraits of everyday life in Lagos, Teju Cole provides a fresh approach to the returnee experience.

Recommended for: People watchers, budding writers.

2. How to Spell Naija in 100 Short Stories by  Chuma Nwokolo

This book is a collection of sweetening, shocking and saddening stories that capture the Nigerian experience and emotion. It is a perfect buffet of Nigeriana, served with wit and understanding.

Recommended for: The culturally curious

3. Daughters who walk this path by Yejide Kilanko

Spirited and intelligent, Morayo was sexually assaulted at a very young age by her cousin. This book relates beautifully how she overcomes the feelings of despair, guilt and lack of self-respect. This novel should be an inspiration for women globally to support each other, find their voices and soldier on when life inevitably gets tough.

Recommended for: Feminists visiting Nigeria for the first time.

4. How to be a Nigerian by Peter Enahoro

The book is described as a guide for Nigerians and expatriates on the conduct, deportment, comportment, bearing, demeanour, mien, carriage, actions, the misdoings, misconduct and misbehaviours of the Nigerian adult male and female. Sprinkled with anecdotes and cartoons, the book addresses the Nigerian essence.

Recommended for: Fans of Nigeria's social satire.

5. Foreign Gods Inc by Okey Ndibe

Foreign Gods, Inc., tells the story of Ike, a New York-based Nigerian cab driver who sets out to steal the statue of an ancient war deity from his home village and sell it to a New York gallery.

Recommended for: Daydreamers.

6. Under the Brown Rusted Roofs by Abimbola Adunni Adelakun

A beautiful book about the lives of the people of the ancient city of Ibadan. This book takes you to Ibadan in the 70's and 80's and tell intricately about how under the seemingly dull brown rusted roofs, interesting lives full of drama take place.

Recommended for: Architecture/History buffs.

7. Yellow Yellow by Kaine Agary

Kaine Agary’s Yellow-Yellow is mainly about the story of a Greek-Nigerian girl called Zilayefa who leaves her rustic existence and the protective grip of her mother in the village, in search of a better life in the city.

Recommended for: Adichie fans.

8. Measuring Time by Helon Habila

Measuring Time is a heart-wrenching history of Nigeria, portrayed through the eyes of Mamo Lamang and his twin brother, LaMamo, growing up in the small village of Keti in Nigeria.

Recommended for: Those who have ever felt the need to hide themselves.

9. Blackass by A. Igoni Barrett

Furo Wariboko – born and bred in Lagos – wakes up on the morning of his job interview to discover he has turned into a white man. Blackass is more than just the story of a physical transformation, it is a perfect tale of prejudice and the power white skin confers in Nigeria.

Recommended for: White supremacists.

10. Night of the creaking bed by Toni Kan

Corruption, religious intolerance, gratuitous violence, the irresponsible attitudes of some men to their offspring and the importance of joy are some of the big themes that underlie this memorable collection of 14 short stories.

Recommended for: People who hate big books

11. Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria by Noo Saro-Wiwa

Noo is Ken Saro-Wiwa's daughter; she grew up in England and after her father was killed she stayed away from Nigeria for many years. This is the poignant and witty story of her return.

Recommended for: Globetrotters

Compliment this list with Wole Soyinka's thoughts on rebranding Nigeria, Muritala Muhammed on resolving African problems and Chinua Achebe on translation of his works to Igbo.

ALSO READ: Exploring White privilege in Nigeria