Booming scholarly publications in Nigeria: how the National Library and State Libraries cope with the phenomenon

This is a commissioned presentation made during the 50th anniversary celebration of the International Centre for International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) in Paris from 6 to 10 October 2025. The National Library of Nigeria, which became a National Centre for issuance of ISSN in 1976, has demonstrated excellence in the task of providing ISSN services deploying unwavering strategies including use of ICT and social media outlets; having subnational centers including all the 34 branches of the National Library; and interfacing with stakeholders (authors, publishers, academic and research institutions.) In view of the fact that the National Centre in Nigeria serves over 200 million people with over 270 universities, 205 colleges of education, 156 polytechnics/monotechnics, and 50 research institutions, it became necessary that the National Centre should share their strategic approach to the booming scholarly publication in Nigeria. This will enable other national centers to adopt them for effective ISSN services in their countries.