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Summary
This curated list of must-read Nigerian books spans various genres, offering compelling stories of romance, mystery, fantasy, and cultural narratives that celebrate Nigerian literature.
Have you ever read a book so amazing that it left you thinking, “What do I do with my life now?” Girl, same.
A good book is one of the best things that can happen to you, but finding the next read after that can be super challenging. It always feels like nothing compares to the first, and then you’re stuck until you find the next great book or movie.
No worries, I’ve got you.
I’ve compiled a list of Nigerian books that you need to check out based on the genres they fall under.
Whether you’re a sucker for toe-curling romance that’ll have you thinking, “God when?”, a suspense junkie hooked on every twist, a sci-fi or fantasy lover escaping to new worlds, or queer and seeking representation, this list has your next read covered.
1. Ginika’s Bridesmaids series by Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi
If you’re into messy (and I mean messy) relationships, rollercoaster friendships, and second-chance love, Ginika’s Bridesmaids series is your next binge-read. In this five-part series, Adesuwa introduces a diverse cast of characters—some lovable, some infuriating, and others downright despicable.
I picked up the first book for the drama and stayed until the end for the heartwarming connections between the characters.
2. The Lagos Plastic Surgeons series by Amaka Azie
This follows a trio of ambitious, talented plastic surgeons at the top of their field in Lagos. The first in the trilogy, Before the Storm, is a second-chance romance between a couple divorced due to cheating. At first, I was hesitant because cheating is a very sensitive topic, and I went into the book determined to hate it. Halfway into it, I found myself rooting for them and by the time I was done, I was already picking up books two and three. If you’re a fan of scorching hot romance, slow burn, and emotional growth, you must add this to your TBR(To Be Read).
3. Broken: Not a Halal Love Story by Fatima Bala
From the start, Broken had me hooked. It follows the story of Fa’iza, a devout Muslim woman who falls for Ahmad, a man who challenges her religious values. Their connection grows despite their varying views until a huge revelation tears them (and their families) apart. As a non-muslim reading a book so ingenious to the Muslim and Northern Nigerian culture, I expected to find it hard to relate to the story, but that was hardly the case. Instead, it was eye-opening and drew me into the unique dynamics of culture and religion.
If you want to read something different but love toe-curling moments, check out Broken.
4. When Love Visits by Comfort Omovre
This book had me blushing like I was in a K-drama. No generational trauma, no miscommunication, no misogyny—just a man and a woman completely finished for each other.
When Love Visits follows Tade, newly returned to Nigeria from the US and ready to find love again after a brutal breakup, and Uju, an events planner who has never been in love. A chance encounter brings them together, setting them on a journey of emotional healing and growth.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, drama-free, and sweet romance, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
5. Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Banter? Check. Chemistry? Check. Love? Check.
Honey and Spice is an enemies-to-lovers young adult story that takes place on a school campus. It follows British Nigerian student Kiki Banjo, a popular radio show host on campus who is drawn into a fake relationship with Malakai Korede, the ‘wasteman’ she’s spent her time warning others about. As they uncover more about each other, the inevitable question arises: will the fake romance ever become real?
If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, check this out!
6. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
What would you do if your sister had a very strange… hobby?
This book is a twisted look at family dynamics and sisterhood. It follows the story of Korede, the responsible sister who spends most of her time cleaning her younger sister Ayoola’s messes. By messes, I mean literal bloody messes— the bodies of Ayoola’s boyfriends who died at her hands. Korede doesn’t seem to be too bothered about all this until Ayoola sets her targets on her( Korede’s) crush. If you love family drama, add this to your TBR.
7. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a deep and funny dive into the world of polygamy. It follows Baba Segi, a proud man with four wives, whose life is turned upside down when the newest wife, a graduate named Bolanle, enters the picture. The simple marriage dynamic turns tense as we see the wives struggle for power, and crazy secrets are revealed.
With the drama, plot twists, and large family, the best way to describe it is a feminist Fuji house of commotion. If you’ve not checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?
8. Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku
This has to be one of my all-time favourites when it comes to Nigerian literature. Every time I reread it, I find something new to laugh at. As the title says, in the twelve short stories contained in the book, nearly all the men in Lagos are mad. From cheating husbands and a mommy’s boy to closeted gay husbands, we get to see the different types of men that Lagos women encounter.
If you’re looking for a light, easy, quick read that’ll have you gasping for breath as you laugh, then this book is for you.
9. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okoroafor
In a war-ravaged and post-apocalyptic Country, Who Fears Death tells the story of a girl born from an act of extreme violence during a genocide. This girl is named Onyesonwu by her mother, which means “Who fears death?” and we follow her as she discovers her destiny—ending the genocide of her people. As she trains her power, she battles prejudice, confronts her trauma and struggles with the burden of being chosen. If you’re looking for a fantasy that deals with themes like gender, social injustice and magic, look no further.
Also, if you fall in love with this, there are many more where they came from, as Nnedi is a prolific writer.
10. Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde
Welcome to Lagos, a city where the Vagabonds— the queer, the marginalised, the magical, and the rebellious live boldly, loudly and freely despite the odds stacked against them. This book is a chaotic web of stories of lovers, witches, hustlers, and dreamers surviving on the fringes of Nigerian society.
Vagabonds! is a fearless, unapologetically queer and deeply political book that you cannot forget. It’s a tribute to Lagos and queer people all around. If you’re a fan of queer fiction, it’s a must-read.
11.Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta.
Want a book that’ll break your heart and also heal it?
Look no further.
Under the Udala Trees is a coming-of-age story about Ijeoma, a young Igbo girl who grew up during the civil war. When she’s sent away for safety, she meets another displaced girl, and they fall in love.
When they’re discovered, their love is broken, and they have to face the consequences of daring to love freely in a deeply religious society.
Ijeoma gets to learn, however, that hiding herself and living a lie has a cost.
So there you have it!
Those were our top must-read books. If you haven’t read any of them, I hope you’re already on your way to the nearest bookstore to place an order or download them on your Kindle. If you have them already, what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of your favourite beverage, curl up in bed, and start reading!
Editor’s note: This story was first published on The21mag
