The Greatest Nigerian Literature
This selection of Nigerian literature encompasses all literary forms, genres and periods. It includes works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in Nigeria and around the world.
The Greatest Nigerian Literature focuses on the country's major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, long poetry and collections.
You may also be interested in The Greatest African Literature or The Greatest South African Literature.
This list is updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the revision date when citing the list.
Latest update: November 2, 2025
The 22 Greatest Works of Nigeria
1952
The Palm-Wine Drunkard
by Amos Tutuola, Nigeria
Novel
1958
Things Fall Apart
by Chinua Achebe, Nigeria
Novel
1964
Arrow of God
by Chinua Achebe, Nigeria
Novel
1965
The Interpreters
by Wole Soyinka, Nigeria
Novel
1966
A Man of the People
by Chinua Achebe, Nigeria
Novel
1969
The Bacchae of Euripides
by Wole Soyinka, Nigeria
Play, subtitled A Communion Rite
1975
Death and the King's Horseman
by Wole Soyinka, Nigeria
Play
1979
The Joys of Motherhood
by Buchi Emecheta, Nigeria
Novel
1983
The Rape of Shavai
by Buchi Emecheta, Nigeria
Novel
1987
Anthills of the Savannah
by Chinua Achebe, Nigeria
Novel
1991
The Famished Road
by Ben Okri, Nigeria
Novel
1995
Astonishing the Gods
by Ben Okri, Nigeria
Novel
2003
Purple Hibiscus
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria
Novel
2005
Everything Good Will Come
by Sefi Atta, Nigeria
Novel
2006
Half of a Yellow Sun
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria
Novel
2009
The Thing Around Your Neck
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria
Story collection
Tenants of the House
by Wale Okediran, Nigeria
Novel
2013
Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria
Novel
Egbon of Lagos
by Akin Bello, Nigeria
Play
2016
What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky
by Lesley Nneka Armah, Nigeria
Story collection
2017
Songs of Myself: A Quartet
by Tanure Ojaide, Nigeria
Poetry collection
2021
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth
by Wole Soyinka, Nigeria
Novel
