Introduction
The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit code that uniquely identifies serial/continuing publications such as journals, magazines, newspapers, annual reports, newsletters, and electronic serials. In Nigeria, the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) serves as the official ISSN National Centre, which assigns ISSNs to ensure global identification, facilitate legal deposit, and support bibliographic control.
What you need
- Proposed serial title (unique, concise and distinctive)
- Publication details (medium, frequency, publisher’s name and address, editor’s details)
- Letter of intent/application (on a letter for corporate publications)
- Valid means of identification (or company registration documents for corporate publishers)
- Evidence that the publication meets serial criteria (sample copy or dummy of the publication, or URL for electronic versions)
- Payment receipt (Remita/TSA)
- Active email address and phone number (for online applications)
- CAC certificate (for corporate publishers, where applicable)
How to apply
- Visit the National Library of Nigeria website via https://nln.gov.ng/
- Go to the ISBN/ISSN section (or directly to https://isbn.nln.gov.ng for the application portal, ISSN applications route similarly through the link.
- Create an account using your email and personal or company details.
- Check the availability of your proposed title.
- Complete the ISSN application form and upload all required documents.
- Generate a payment invoice and pay the administrative fee via Remita (TSA). Select “National Library Nigeria” as the beneficiary and “ISBN & ISSN Administrative Fees” as the purpose while making payment.
- Submit your application for processing.
- For a physical application, visit the National Library headquarters in Abuja or any state branch to apply in person.
- Once approved, your ISSN will be issued and sent via email or collected physically, normally within 24 to 48 hours or a few days, depending on verification.
- After receiving your ISSN, you must fulfil the legal deposit by submitting the required copies (usually 3) to the NLN after publication.
Payment
The ISSN is free; only an administrative/processing fee of ₦2,500.00 for a standard single ISSN application is charged, payable via Remita. Fees may increase for multiple title applications.
Links
- National Library of Nigeria
- Online ISBN/ISSN Application Portal (sign up/login here; ISSN handled under the same standards department)
- ISSN Verification/Search (international)
- FAQs on ISSN
Report/Complaint
If you witness any form of corruption or poor service delivery, contact the National Library of Nigeria via info@nln.gov.ng or 08054255169; 08067611515.
You can also contact us to guide you and engage relevant authorities to help resolve the issue(s).