In this bookshop guide, Binta Moustapha takes us on a tour of some of the best spots for book lovers in Abuja, Nigeria. If you have bookshops you’d like to recommend in a particular city, further information about contributing follows this article.

Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria since December 12, 1991, is a city that boasts a unique blend of planned urban development and natural beauty. Nestled among the grassy Chukuku Hills and surrounded by notable landmarks such as Zuma Rock, Katampe Hills, and the prominent Aso Rock, Abuja offers a picturesque setting for its residents and visitors. Aso Rock gave Abuja its name: a large granite monolith on the city’s outskirts, its name derives from the Asokoro ethnic group’s language, meaning “victorious” or “the people of victory.” This natural wonder symbolises the pride and resilience of the Nigerian people. The city is also home to key government institutions, including the Nigerian National Assembly and the Nigerian Supreme Court, making it a hub of political activity. Abuja is also a city rich in arts and culture, literature included.

Roving Heights Bookshop

One of the city’s literary gems is Roving Heights Bookshop, located at CVS Plaza, 145 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2. This family-owned bookstore, co-founded by Adedotun, Oluwatobi, and Adebola Eyinade, has become a beloved spot for book lovers in Abuja. The bookstore offers a wide selection of books, ranging from contemporary fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature and academic texts. Its inviting atmosphere and well-curated collection make it a must-visit for anyone passionate about reading. Readers who, like me, enjoy a mix of modern and contemporary African will find ample appealing books on the shelves. From Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s compelling narratives to the thought-provoking essays by Wole Soyinka, the shop stocks a bounty of books reflecting the cultural richness and complexity of Nigerian storytelling.

In addition to the volumes it stocks, Roving Heights frequently hosts book readings, signings, and other literary events, fostering a vibrant community of readers and writers in Abuja. The bookstore’s commitment to promoting a reading culture and supporting local authors makes it a vibrant cultural landmark embodying the spirit of the city.

Tarbiyah Books Plus

Tarbiyah Books Plus located at 21 Blantyre Street, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory in Abuja is another notable bookshop in the city. Tarbiyah is renowned for its extensive collection of academic and inspirational literature, particularly in areas of personal development and spirituality. It has a particular draw for Muslim and Arabic-speaking book enthusiasts since as its name, “Tarbiyah” comes from the Arabic and means to nurture, rear or grow, or the education and upbringing of the people.

Indeed, this bookstore not only caters to avid readers but also emphasises the importance of education and moral values, making it a valuable resource for the community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This emphasis on teaching and learning through books cements Tarbiyah’s status as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and educational offerings.

Bookshop at The National Mosque in Abuja

The National Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria, with a capacity of 25,000, is not just an architectural wonder and a place of worship. It is also a hub for literary culture, thanks to its in-house bookstore. This mosque, showcasing a modern Islamic design, is adorned with impressive domes and minarets, detailed geometric patterns, and expansive courtyards, harmoniously merging contemporary and classical styles. As the nation’s official mosque, it is integral to Nigeria’s identity and welcomes a diverse array of visitors, offering non-Muslims a chance to engage with Islam experientially.

The bookstore at the mosque presents an extensive range of Islamic texts, spanning theology, history, and cultural studies, appealing to both residents and visitors interested in enhancing their knowledge of Islam. For example, during a March 2024 event, I hosted Kathy Giorii from Stanford and Katy Dickinson from Mentoring Standards, a graduate student at the Episcopal Theological Seminary, both from Silicon Valley. They explored the mosque and its resources, underscoring its educational importance.

Visitors are generally welcome from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends. It’s recommended to verify any schedule changes or special events before visiting. For the latest and most precise information, it’s best to consult the mosque’s official website or reach out to them directly.

Note: This bookshop guide gives the views of the author, and not the position of the LSE Review of Books blog, or of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Main Image credit: Aerial view of the National Mosque Abuja © Tayvay on Shutterstock.

First image credit: Dongnaan Lapang (Bookstore Associate) with Binta Moustapha in Roving Heights Bookstore, Abuja, Nigeria© Binta Moustapha.

Second image credit: The interior of Tarbiyya Books Plus © Binta Moustapha

Third image credit: The interior of the National Mosque Abuja © Oluwafemi Dawodu on Shutterstock. 

Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to our newsletter for a round-up of the latest reviews sent straight to your inbox every other Tuesday.

Do you know a place with great bookshops? If there’s a city or town with bookshops that you think other students and academics should visit, then this is your chance to tell us all about it.

As part of a regular feature on LSE Review of Books, we’re asking academics and students to recommend their favourite three or four bookshops in a particular city, with the aim of building an exciting online series for our book-loving community of readers the world over.

Bookshops could be academic, alternative, multilingual, hobby-based, secret or underground institutions, second-hand outlets or connected to a university. We’d like to cover all world regions too and are particularly keen to feature cities outside of Europe and North America.

If something comes to mind, we’re looking for a brief introduction about the city and around 150 words per bookshop, detailing why each one is a must-see. Our editorial team can then find suitable photos and links to accompany the piece, though you’re welcome to supply these too. We only ask that you focus on just one city or region, and three or four bookshops within it.

Email us if you’d like to contribute: lsereviewofbooks@lse.ac.uk