Narrative Technique and the Politics of Naming: The Significance of ‘Nagiva’ in Emeka Ukwuaba’s Hypnotising Minefield

The literary device of allegorical naming, in which a fictional nation or character stands in transparent relation to its real-world referent, has a long history in political fiction across cultures. In contemporary African fiction, this technique has acquired particular significance as writers navigate the risks of direct political commentary. This study examines the significance and ideological function of the name Nagiva in Emeka Ukwuaba's Hypnotising Minefield (2025), arguing that this barely disguised Nigeria constitutes a deliberate narrative and political strategy rather than a simple act of camouflage. The study is anchored on allegorical theory as developed in literary studies, drawing on Paul de Man's concept of allegory as a mode of meaning-production distinct from symbolism. A narratological methodology is employed, focusing on naming, setting, and the construction of fictional space, supplemented by recent scholarship on political allegory in African fiction published within the last five years. Findings demonstrate that Nagiva functions simultaneously as a protective veil and a critical lens, allowing Ukwuaba to stage specific historical and political critiques while maintaining the aesthetic and legal freedom of fiction. The use of Nagiva also produces an ironic doubling effect, where readers recognise the original even as the fictional frame invites a more detached and critical engagement. The study concludes that the Nagiva device is central to the novel's political effectiveness and recommends comparative studies of allegorical naming in contemporary Nigerian and African fiction.

Keywords: Allegory, Naming, Emeka Ukwuaba, Narrative technique, Political fiction