Disappearance of Prominent Literary Magazines
The Nigerian literary community is grappling with the decline of some of its most promising platforms, as literary critic Paul Liam sounded the alarm over the disappearance of Praxis Magazine and The Village Square Journal. His Facebook post, which sparked reactions from key figures in the literary and publishing space, questioned why literary magazines in Nigeria often vanish despite their initial promise.
“Praxis was ambitious and unique in its focus on bridging so many gaps in the Nigerian literary space,” Liam wrote. “The Village Square Journal, on the other hand, was an esoteric journal that preferred highly critical literary interventions. Sadly, they have disappeared from the literary scene for a while, and there is no hope of their coming back anytime soon.”
Liam’s lament went further by asking, “Why do our literary spaces of communal expressions usually disappear after what often seems like a promising start? We need these platforms back and running. We need to device sustainable strategies that will ensure that our literary platforms do not just disappear from the space. What becomes of the brilliant works they once did? We no longet hear of Sentinel and Saraba Magazines. They too have gone quiet.”
Responses from the Literati
Liam’s concerns resonated with many, including writer and publisher Femi Philip Morgan, who attributed the problem to sustainability challenges. He recounted his own experience running a literary magazine under the now-defunct WriteHouse Collective, stating that “passion projects without sustainable strategies end up failing—no funds, no adverts, no donations, no grants, no data.”
Morgan pointed to the need for structured financial planning, highlighting a cultural magazine that has thrived due to a “huge culture grant, sustainability strategy, and teams.” However, he lamented the perception that seeking financial viability in literary publishing equates to “selling out.”
Government’s Role in Literary Development
Journalist and writer Bahir Aliyu Limanci offered a broader perspective, advocating for government intervention in sustaining literary platforms. He argued that many Nigerian literary magazines rely on funding from Western institutions, which is becoming increasingly uncertain due to shifting geopolitical priorities.
“The Nigerian government should, as a matter of urgency, develop a strategy to ensure these platforms continue to operate with its support,” Limanci wrote. “Writers are vital for our national interest, and Nigeria is wealthy enough to assist them while allowing them creative independence.”
However, others, such as writer NmaHassan Waziri, see the problem as more than just financial. He pointed to the lack of inclusive structures within these platforms, noting that many operate as “one-man shows,” making them vulnerable when founders burn out.
“Beyond economic dynamics, they often lack structure for sustainability,” Waziri noted. “I’m particularly sad about Praxis. I hope they all bounce back someday—even though, for most, the dead stay dead,” NmaHassan added.
Beyond Passion, A Case for Professionalism
Liam himself acknowledged that funding is only part of the challenge, stressing the need for expertise in literary administration. “Funding is just one aspect of the bigger problem. We need more expertise in literary art administration in Nigeria. Talent and passion alone are not enough. Skills are critical to the sustenance of the enterprise,” he wrote.
Whether through government support, structured funding models, or a shift in the literary community’s approach to publishing, the call for a lasting solution is growing louder. As Limanci put it, the lasting solution must be homegrown, not only in terms of audiences but funding. “Most [young writers] earn a living through direct funding from the West,” he said, referring to the ones living on their literary journalism and craft, but he adds that “The attitude of the West is changing for political reasons.”
Donald Trump’s dismantling of USAID is a case in point about this changing attitude, and the jury is still out about whether foreign donor funds do Nigerian more good or harm, a real determinant of when to use the expression ‘sellout’.
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