7 bookshops that made this year awesome for Nigerian book lovers

16:23 - 07 December 2015

Here are 7 Nigerian bookshops that have stood the test of time.

1. Patabah Bookshop, Surulere Lagos.

Created in 1987 by Ore Somolu, Patabah Books Limited is a Nigerian-owned bookshop established to cater to book and art lovers.

On my numerous visit to Patabah, all Nigerian best seller books are always on the shelf, except for some books like 'The Fishermen' which was a tad too expensive, every other book sold at Patabah books comes at a cheap price.

Sadly, the bookshop has more religious and motivational books than fiction, while i understand that this is what Nigerians read but i still suggest that since the bookshop is located at the Surulere shopping mall, it should expand and include more fiction, African literature and classics.

2. Amab Bookshop, Minna Niger State.

Located in far away Minna in Niger State, Amab Books was established in 2014 by Nu-r-din Busari who opened the bookshop because he loved books and he wanted to read more of them.

I have never visited Amab Books but i can proudly say that their delivery and customer service is top notch.

Also, they stock books of all the genres from comics, to African Literature, classics, science fiction, best sellers, autobiographies and magazines. You can also order for any book you want and they would get it off amazon or book depository for you.

However, books sold by them are a bit expensive and you have to pay for delivery. All in all, their service is great, they stock all books and recently, they have delved into book publishing.

3. Glendora Bookshops, Ikeja City Mall Lagos.

Popular for its awesome collection of African literature books, best sellers, children books and magazine, Glendora bookshop is one bookshop to visit if you want to conduct a research and you are looking for materals.

On my visit to Glendora, Ikeja City Mall i was able to get newspaper, books and magazines clippings of events that happened in the 80's and 90's.

Despite having close to 5 retail bookshops in Nigeria, the Glendora bookshops does not have a functioning website. I added this bookshop to the list because the paper backs are cheap and you can find materials for your thesis or research work at the bookshop.

4. The Jazzhole bookshop and Music Store, Ikoyi Lagos.

An offspring of the great Glendora Books, Jazz Hole is primarily a book, music and African artwork store. This is perhaps my best bookshop but probably because of its location the books sold at Jazzhole are too expensive.

On the plus side, they have the best collection of African music and African literature.

I included this bookshop to the list because it is different from other bookshops in Nigeria with a restaurant and a bar plus an amazing range of Nigerian music and great books. You can purchase coffee as you sit and read one of the books, just make sure you are with enough cash when you visit.

5. Zamani Books & Stationery Stores Ltd, Kano.

Established in 1950 by Pa Abraham Amu Ogbodobri, this is perhaps one of the best bookshops in Kano. When i visited the bookshop some months back looking for a book, i was able to get the book at a cheap price (even cheaper than Lagos).

Although, the bookshop looks old but it is really cosy and they have an awesome collection of classics and African Literature. However, do not expect to find books from John Green or any other foreign contemporary authors from Zamani Bookshop.

6. Readers are leaders bookshop Abuja

With a shop in Dubai, this bookshop stock good business books, biographies and children books. The interior design of the bookshop is also breath taking and creative.

However, the books are quite expensive but i guess this can be forgiven because they are located in the airport and they have saved lives of people who are in need of a book to read while travelling.

7. Tarbiyah Bookshop

This is perhaps the only bookshop with a vibrant instagram account, although they stock mostly religious books, they can also source for a book you want.

I was very impressed with their perfect delivery system (free delivery to anywhere in Abuja), even though i patronized them only once.

However, i think they should include books from other genres too.

Have you ever patronised any of these bookshops? Do you think i should have added any other book store to the list?

Please do share.