Access to the holdings of most libraries in Africa is still through the card catalogue. In Nigeria, as elsewhere in Africa, attempts to introduce library automation have been limited by various factors. However, Nigeria has sufficient resources to make automation both appropiate and desirable. It is proposed that a Nigerian National Cataloguing Service, based on microcomputer and CD-ROM technology, be developed at the National Library of Nigera. Outlines the system requirements, and discusses choice of product, record presentation and manipulation, system configuration and costing and staffing requirements. Recommends the adoption of the SuperCat system produced by Gaylord Automation in the United States.