9 Nigerian books with interesting titles

• Nigerian authors are not just telling stories, they’re challenging the norms with titles that demand your attention
• TheRadar has compiled 9 books by Nigerian authors with interesting titles 
• These books prove that the first few words on the cover can be just as powerful as the entire story inside

When it comes to catching a reader’s attention, nothing does it better than a captivating title. 

In the world of Nigerian literature, some authors have truly mastered the art of naming their works with bold, hilarious, and downright intriguing titles that scream, “Pick me!” 

From witty wordplay to culturally charged phrases, these books are more than just their titles; they’re gripping, relatable, and refreshingly Nigerian.

So, if you're looking for your next read or just enjoy clever titles, here are 9 Nigerian books with the most interesting titles, and the stories that make them worth it.

9 books with interesting titles

1. Don't Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos by Yemi Odunfa

Let’s be honest, this title already sounds like a plot twist waiting to happen. And it is. 

The death of a respected archbishop should lead to a solemn family gathering, but instead, secrets, blackmail, and lies turn the dinner table into a battlefield. 

With a pastor's son hiding scandal, a runaway daughter, and another carrying a dangerous secret, this novel peels back the mask of perfection to reveal a family in crisis.

2. Born to Love, Unfortunate to Encounter Nigerian Women by Tenene Okobiah

This title is controversial, funny, and bold; and it works. 

A humorous, brutally honest exploration of one man’s chaotic love life in Nigeria, this book dives deep into the heartbreaks, dating disasters, and cultural quirks that define the Nigerian dating scene.

3. The Condom and Other Stories by Peter Chika

You read that right. And no, the book is not all about that. 

This collection of 17 fast-paced stories introduces characters you’ll love, hate, or both, caught in hilarious, risqué, or morally confusing situations. It's funny, snappy, and full of unexpected twists.

4. Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku

The audacity of this title is what most Nigerian women call “very valid.”

This short story collection, mostly from the POV of women who’ve been emotionally burnt by Lagos men, paints a vivid picture of modern dating in Africa’s most chaotic city.

5. Wives Are for Rainy Days; Side Chicks Are for Best Days! by Chioma Rosemary Madumere

This title alone is enough to spark a gender war on social media. 

But beyond the drama, the book dives into a troubled marriage shaken by ego, betrayal, and unhealed wounds. 

It’s emotional, raw, and a true testament to resilience, love, and the messy reality of relationships.

6. Nigerian Men Will Stain Your White by Alexandria Humphrey

This book’s title is poetry in street slang. It tells the story of Efua, a Ghanaian woman married to a Nigerian man, navigating a hostile mother-in-law and the illusion of a perfect marriage. 

At the same time, her friends are wading through Nigeria’s treacherous dating waters.

7. Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku

Another banger from Damilare Kuku, this novel humorously examines beauty standards, family expectations, and generational secrets. 

When 20-year-old Temi announces her dream to get a BBL and find a rich Lagos husband, all hell breaks loose in her family.

8. Who Drove Nearly All Lagos Men Mad? by Ugochukwu Ugonna

Think of this as the brother-book to “Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad.” 

With wild stories from all corners of Lagos, this collection questions the role both genders play in their messy relationships. 

It’s spicy, honest, and full of “that could be me” moments.

9. I For Don Blow but I Too Dey Press Phone by Hymar Idibie David

This one’s for the Gen Z generation. 

A memoir by a Facebook influencer who’s deaf and dropped out of university but carved a niche for himself online with relatable, funny, and ironic content.

20 romance books by Nigerian authors you should read

Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 20 books on romance by Nigerian authors, from heartwarming tales to passionate love stories and emotional sagas. 

These books explore themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and modern influences on relationships.