In this economic hardship, when many businesses say they are suffering, Ibrahim Babangida, a former military head in Nigeria, ventured into the world of Literature, and within a twinkle of an eye, gathered so much fortune from his work.
In the midst of an economic climate where many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, high unemployment rates, and a strained cost of living, one question looms large: How much is Ibrahim Babangida’s controversial memoir, “A Journey in Service,” selling for?
The book, which hit the shelves in 2025, is not just another autobiography—it’s a political minefield, offering unprecedented insights into the man who ruled Nigeria as a military dictator for eight years.
With revelations that are bound to stir up debates for years to come, A Journey of Service has garnered significant attention.
But how much is it selling for in a time when Nigerians are tightening their belts and rethinking every Naira spent? Does the price reflect the book’s value, or is it another luxury item out of reach for the average citizen?
IBB’s Book: A Pricey Political Statement
Let’s cut to the chase: A Journey of Service is not exactly a bargain.
Lasisi Olagunju who published a review of the book via Tribune revealed that he bought the book for ₦40,000.
However, popular investigative journalists, David Hundeyin, reports that the work of art sells at ₦50,000.
Did You Miss? A Journey In Service: Full Review Of Ibrahim Babangida’s Controversial Book
This proves that this memoir is considered a premium item, especially in a country where the average Nigerian income is far from stable. For many, the cost of purchasing this book might seem like a luxury, and one can’t help but question: Is this memoir really worth the hefty price tag?
Of course, when it comes to high-profile political books, pricing is always a complicated matter. For the book to be in the hands of the masses, it needs to reach a certain level of commercial viability.
But in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis—marked by soaring inflation, high food prices, and unstable fuel prices—the book’s cost might seem like another sign of the disconnect between the political elite and the average citizen struggling to make ends meet.
The Impact of the Price on IBB’s Legacy
Beyond the price tag, there’s also the issue of who is actually buying this book.
Is it the average Nigerian looking for closure on a troubled political past, or is it mainly being snapped up by the political elite, academics, and the wealthy?
The sales figures for A Journey in Service are unclear, but it’s not difficult to imagine that many Nigerians who would benefit from reading the book are unable to afford it. In this light, the price tag could potentially limit the book’s reach and impact.
For a book that claims to offer a “journey in service” and insights into leadership and governance, is the cost of access a barrier to the very people Babangida’s political decisions affected the most? In this age of economic hardship, these are questions that can’t be ignored.
