NBFT wants enactment of national book policy

Chairman Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT), Rilwanu Abdulsalami has called for the enactment of national book policy in the county to improve the capacity of the book industry.
  
Abdulsalami spoke at the 2018 Nigerian International Book Fair (NIBF) held at the Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos.Speaking on the second day of the fair, the chairman said introduction of such policy would bring stability into the industry.
  
He said: “The stakeholders are in disarray. The only platform we have is the Nigerian book fair where we come together voluntarily to discuss issues and see what can be done within our capacity for the development of the industry. If there is a policy that involves the government, regulations, and adequate funding there will be progress.
 
“The policy is very important and it will detail out areas and functions. It will also shield out conflict like we are having it now. As we speak, there is conflict and competition within the system; publishers, booksellers and authors are competing with each other. If there is a policy, it will state out the functions of each body and highlights their limitations and boundaries. 
 
He also maintained that with such policy in place, the government would be discouraged from printing outside the country, thereby improving the capacity of local publishers, booksellers and authors.
 
“For us to have a stable network within the stakeholders, we need to have a book policy in place.  We are hoping to consult the lawmakers and government policy makers to initiate the bill to make sure that it an act is promulgated for the book industry,” he added.