How to Acquire ISBN Number in Nigeria – Book retailers, publishers, authors, and librarians can now acquire the ISBN easily through the help of this article ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This is a 13-digit number that is used to identify books published internationally.
ISBN is used for monographic publications This unique number is being given by the ISBN registration agency in every country. This means that every country has its own ISBN registration agency. These unique numbers function by allowing for easy and efficient marketing of products by booksellers and authors
It also helps to identify and distinguish one title of the book from the other look alike. Most times some books have two ISBNs, this is because they come from two different printings or maybe printing errors.
ISBN cannot be the same in every book. Also, no book author can change its ISBN. Except for publishing another book. A person who does not have the ISBN can still sell their books using the Book Scouter. The ISBN contains 5 different elements.
This article will solely focus on how to acquire the ISBN in Nigeria. This means that Nigeria has an ISBN registration agency that issues this unique number.
How to Acquire ISBN Number in Nigeria
Before now getting this unique number in Nigeria was so difficult that the whole process was stressful for most authors. Most times it took 2 weeks to process the whole process.
The National Library of Nigeria has made things easy for authors and publishers. Now from the comfort of your home technology has made it easy to apply for the number.
Requirement for getting an ISBN
- Preliminary page of the book in question
- Letter of intent
- You CAC certificate if you’re requesting it as a company.
- As an individual, you will have to give or present a valid means of identification (driver’s license, Nigerian passport, voter’s card, NIN card, etc..)
Cost of ISBN
The actual cost of the ISN is 2,500. That excludes the remit charges, bank charges,s, etc.
Read AlsoÂ
How to Verify a Car Plate Number in Nigeria (2024 Update)
TIN Application Update In 2024 | How To Apply For Your Tax Identification Number
How to Apply for a National Identity Number (NIN) (2024 Update)
Properties of the ISBN
The ISBN is a 13-digit number that is arranged in 3’s to represent different tags.
- The very first 3 digits represent the international code.
- The next (3)three-digit represents the country’s identifier
- The third 3 digits stand for the publisher identifier
- The fourth 3 digits are the title identifier
- The last three digits are the check digits. (This is to automatically check correctness by computer).
Payment procedure for ISBN/Generating Remita Pin
All payment for this is made through the bank. Either through the online payment platform or by deposit. Whichever method you are using you need to generate a remita.
Once you have successfully made payment a receipt will be sent to your email. This is why it is really necessary to include a valid email address.
- Log on to the Remita platform at remita.net
- Select pay TSA and state option
- After that you click on the FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria
- You will be requested to fill in who you want to pay and you are to input National Library Nigeria -051700800100
- You also be requested to put the name of the service and purpose which is ISBN and ISSN administrative fees.
- The description is the payment of ISBN (or ISSN depending on user preference)
- GIFMIS code is 100097203
- In the amount to pay you insert 2500
- currency is naira
- Include your valid phone number, and confirm your email address
- Submit the form and click the payment option
- Copy out the RRR code which is the Remita code
- Once you click submit you will be redirected to a page where you can make payment online
- You can print your receipt but a copy will be sent to your email.
The Application process for ISBN
- Using your preferred browser log on to the National Library Nigeria at https://www.nln.gov.ng/
At the top bar, you will see home departments, publications, virtual library services, etc. all as headings with their own dialogue box - Click on services and the dialogue box under it will pop up ISBN/ISSN will be the first on the dialogue. You click on it.
- It will take you to a platform where you should log in or sign up if you are a new user
- If you are a new user you can sign in, if you are an old user you can log in with your details.
- Once you log in still at the top bar you will see apply for ISBN. You have to click on it.
- You follow the boxes correctly and provide the correct details
- Once you are done providing the necessary information as instructed you will be requested to make payments
- After your payment, you have successfully applied for the ISBN.
Conclusion
The above article gives a brief description of everything you need to know and how to apply for an ISBN. You must note that the letter you are writing should be written on a letterhead. Your manuscript is properly printed and by the description.
It is also important to note that you are to use one email the same email you used for registration. For more information, you can contact the national Nigerian librarian at the national library. Or you can log on to their official website at https://www.nln.gov.ng/
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process the ISBN
Formerly it took 2 to two weeks but the National Nigerian Library made It accessible after your application.
What is the full meaning of the word ISBN?
The full meaning of ISBN is international standard book number
Can the ISBN be shared?
No, it cannot be shared or transferred
In Nigeria which agency is solely responsible for issuing this number?
It is the national library agency.
What is the actual cost of ISBN?
The actual cost ISBN is 2,500
Can I make a payment online?
Yes you can make payment online after generating your Remita
Can I sell my ISBN?
Nope, it is yours and can’t be transferred sold, or used by another author.