The race to win a whopping $100,000 by another Nigerian poet is taking shape as organisers of the NLNG Prize for Literature has announced receiving 223 entries for its 2026 edition.

By the announcement, adjudication is formally starting.

The entries were submitted by writers across Nigeria and the diaspora, reflecting continued engagement with one of Africa’s most prestigious literary prizes.

Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, disclosed this during the official handover ceremony held on Monday.

Represented by Abdul Umar, NLNG’s Manager, Government Relations, she described the handover as a critical milestone in the Prize cycle.

“This marks the start of a process that demands attention, patience and sound judgement.

“It will ultimately determine the work that defines this year’s Prize and reflects the strength of contemporary Nigerian poetry,” she said.

The  2026 edition focuses on poetry, a genre known for its intensity, discipline and artistic precision.

The 223 submissions highlight the resilience of literary expression despite economic and publishing challenges facing writers across the country.

Although slightly below peak years, the number remains competitive and consistent with recent cycles, indicating sustained interest in the Prize.

Horsfall noted that poetry required clarity of thought, depth of meaning and economy of language to achieve impact.

She added that expectations remained high following the acclaimed quality of entries recorded during the 2022 poetry edition.

She said NLNG remained committed to maintaining a credible and transparent platform that promotes literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

“At NLNG, we have consistently provided a platform that supports excellence and inspires a sustainable future.

“Beyond recognising talent, the Prize has strengthened reading culture and encouraged discipline in creative writing.

“It has also contributed significantly to the growth and global visibility of Nigeria’s literary landscape,” she added.

According to her, the credibility of the Prize rests on a transparent and rigorous adjudication process conducted over several months.

She explained that judges would carefully read, assess and deliberate on each entry before arriving at a final decision.

NAN also reports the process will produce a longlist of 11 entries, followed by a shortlist of three finalists.

Horsfall said the eventual winner would emerge after extensive evaluation based on merit, originality and overall literary quality.

NAN reports that the entries were formally presented to the Advisory Board in line with established procedures governing the Prize.

The Advisory Board, chaired by Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, subsequently handed over the submissions to the panel of judges.

Speaking during the ceremony, Adimora-Ezeigbo commended NLNG for its consistency in sustaining the Prize over the years.

“Each edition reflects the evolving depth and diversity of Nigerian writing across genres,” she said.

She noted that the Prize continued to inspire both emerging and established writers to produce high-quality literary works.

Adimora-Ezeigbo also praised writers for their dedication and continued participation in the competition.

She said such commitment ensured the Prize remained relevant and impactful within Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual space.

She urged the judges to uphold integrity, professionalism and critical depth throughout the adjudication process.

She stressed that fairness and objectivity were essential in selecting a winner that truly represents excellence.

Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that the Prize carries a 100,000 dollar award presented annually by NLNG.

She described it as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, attracting global recognition.

According to her, the Prize continues to serve as a benchmark for literary excellence in Nigeria and across the continent.

It also promotes education, cultural development and broader conversations around creativity and national identity.

The Nigeria Prizes have opened entries for the 2026 cycle, focusing on artificial intelligence, poetry and documentary filmmaking across science, literature and creative arts.

While the Nigeria Prize for Literature still offers the winner $100,000, the newly created Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts carries a $20,000 price tag.

Mrs Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG), made this known in a statement on Sunday.

Horsfall said the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation would focus on Innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Technologies for Development, following a no-winner outcome in the 2025 cycle.

She added that the Nigeria Prize for Literature would spotlight poetry, while the newly introduced Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts would debut with documentary filmmaking.

According to her, the Nigeria Prizes remain the country’s foremost platform for recognising excellence in science and innovation, literature and the creative arts, with a legacy spanning over two decades.

Horsfall said the selected themes reflected the realities of a rapidly evolving global environment, noting that extensive research had shown the transformative potential of ICT, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

She said the prizes were designed to reward innovative ideas and talents capable of delivering long-term national impact, adding that the introduction of the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts underscored NLNG’s commitment to recognising creativity as a critical driver of development.

Also, the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Science and Innovation Prize, Prof. Barth Nnaji, urged scientists and innovators worldwide to submit works that moved beyond theory to provide deployable, scalable and practical solutions.

Nnaji said the prize was founded on the principle that science should deliver measurable outcomes, particularly within Nigeria’s development landscape.

“The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, valued at 100,000 dollars, is open to scientists and innovators globally and seeks pioneering digital and artificial intelligence-based solutions across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“For the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Nigerian poets resident in the country and in the Diaspora are invited to submit poetry collections published from 2023 onwards, with the prize also valued at 100,000 dollars,” he said.

The Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, described the Creative Arts Prize as a significant addition to NLNG’s legacy of celebrating excellence.

She said the prize reaffirmed the belief that excellence transcended form, whether written, spoken or filmed, while also recognising poetry’s enduring role in social reflection and inquiry.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will debut with documentary film under the theme “Identity,” offering a 20,000-dollar prize and targeting emerging Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35,” she said .

She said the prize would challenge young creatives to explore individual, communal and cultural identities through rigorous storytelling and visual excellence.

Akeem Lasisi

Judges of The Nigeria Prize for Literature have again sparked sensation in the literary community and beyond as they have narrowed the 252 entries received this year to 11.

An elated NLNG, founder and sponsor of the enduring prize, announced the longlist on Wednesday.

In a statement by the company’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, it recalled how the company had described the 2025 competition as the fiercest upon receiving the entries.

The fact is that the volume was massive while the profiles of many of the writers are compelling.

Announcing the longlist, Palmer-Ikuku wrote: “When we received entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literature earlier in the year, we described this year’s competition as the fiercest yet. In hindsight, that may have been putting it mildly. The longlist is here! And what a lineup it is! The judges had the task of narrowing down a field of truly exceptional works. What we now have is a literary battleground filled with powerful voices, masterful storytelling, and diverse perspectives that showcase the brilliance of Nigerian writing across the world.

“The journey continues, and we are watching an epic narrative unfold. Congratulations to all the longlisted writers! 1. An Unusual Grief by Yewande Omotoso 2. Fine Dreams by Linda Masi 3. Leave my Bones in Saskatoon by Michael Afenfia 4. New York My Village by Uwem Akpan 5. Petrichor The Scent of a New Beginning by Ayo Oyeku 6. Sanya by Oyin Olugbile 7. The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe 8. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma 9. This Motherless Land by Nikki May 10. Water Baby by Chioma Okereke 11. When We Were Fireflies by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.”

Meanwhile, the process is unstoppably on course as the Committee for the Relevant Arts has said the annual CORA- Nigeria Prize for Literature Book Party 2025 will hold on August 3.

Another Nigerian writer, Olubunmi Familoni, is $100,000 richer as he has won the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Prize for Literature.

Lasun Alagbe

More than ever before, in this year’s edition, the die is cast in the BBNaija house.

Eight finalists have emerged from the 28 that began the season, with one of them due to lift the N100m prize on Sunday.

The BBNaija contest is different from a mega one like the Nigeria Prize for Literature or its Science counterpart, not just in terms of the monetary prize, but also in the rule of engagement and deciding the winner.

The Nigeria LNG-sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature offers the winner $100,000 – some N160m based on the current rate.

It is, however, strictly based on meeting the jury’s criteria, in the sense that the prize might not be awarded if none of the shortlisted three books really hit the excellence scale.

As a result, while it has awarded many winning writers in about 20 years of its durable existence, there have been a few years the award was not given.

In the case of BBNaija, however, the winner has always emerged and they must emerge on Sunday.

The question now is: who carries the glorious day?

Is it  Wanni, Kellyrae, Nelly, Anita, Sooj, Victoria, Ozee or Onyeka?

Of course, the case of Nelita duo (Anita and Nelly) is unique in the sense that they made it to the final as duo.

Many cannot wait to see who!

The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced the finalists for the 2024 edition of the Prize. The shortlisted books in alphabetical order of their titles are:

A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo
The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi
Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike

This is according to a statement by Andy Odey, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), sponsors of the prize that  carries a cash award of $100,000.

The finalists were adjudged the top contenders for the prize, out of a total of 163 books entered for the competition. This year’s focus is on Children’s Literature.

In July 2024, 11 selected works were released in a longlist and recognised by the Advisory Board. The shortlist of three was selected from this list by a panel of judges led by Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, and are all contenders for this year’s prize, which is dedicated to Children’s Literature. Other judges include Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia.

Announcing the finalists, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, emphasised that the Advisory Board and the panel of judges, in selecting the shortlisted books, prioritised excellence and recognised the significant impact the Prize has on young Nigerians.

The Board stated: “A Father’s Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo is a touching story that delves into the complex relationship between a father and his children, highlighting their struggles with love, forgiveness, and understanding. Written in clear and accessible language, it captures emotions that resonate deeply with readers.

“The Road Does Not End by Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi addresses the critical issue of child labour in society. The book explores themes of resilience and human connection, emphasising the importance of relationships and the need for continuous self-improvement.

“Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike is set in a riverine village and combines suspense, engagement, inspiration, and entertainment. It weaves moral lessons and elements of magic realism, captivating young readers. The Board praised its language and meticulous editing,” the Board concluded.

The winner will be announced by the Advisory Board on October 11, 2024.

Professor Christopher Okemwa, a lecturer of poetry and drama at Kisii University, Kenya, serves as the International Consultant for the 2024 edition of the Prize. He is an award-winning author in Children’s Literature. Professor Okemwa joins the panel of judges to determine the final verdict.

In the last edition of the competition that focussed on Children’s Literature genre in 2019, Mystery at Ebenezer Lodge, by Dunni Olatunde, The Great Walls of Benin by O.T. Begho and Boom Boom by Jude Idada were announced in the Shortlist of Three. Idada edged the two authors out to win the Prize. In 2015, six authors were longlisted. They included The Golden Gift by Thelma Nwokeji, Chijike by Chinyere Obi-Obasi, A Place for Every Girl by Jaqueline Agweh, A Miracle for Daddy by Sunny Jack Obande, The House in the tree by Chidinma Eze, and Didi Kanu and the Singing Dwarfs of the North by Jude Idada. There was no shortlist of three and no winner emerged that year.

Other authors who have made it to the shortlist were Ayodele Olofintuade (Eno’s Story), Chinyere Obi-Obasi (The Great Fall) and Adeleke “Mai Nasara” Adeyemi (The Missing Clock – Winner) in 2011; and Mabel Segun (Reader’s Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People, co-winner), Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (My Cousin Sammy, co-winner) and Sam and the Wallet by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike in 2007.

Other members of the Advisory Board include Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima

In a celebration of literary talent and creativity, the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), hosted a book party in Lagos over the weekend to honour the 11 authors shortlisted for the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature.

According to a statement by Sophia Horsfall, Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, the event, which marked the first public gathering of the longlisted authors, was a vibrant mix of book readings and a panel session, with authors participating both in person and virtually.

The 11 selected works, chosen from a pool of 163 entries by a panel of judges led by Professor Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, are all contenders for this year’s prize, which is dedicated to Children’s Literature. Other judges include Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia.

The winner will be announced in October 2024.

The honoured authors on the longlist include Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo (A Father’s Pride), Akanni Festus Olaniyi (Bode’s Birthday Party), Jumoke Verissimo (Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret) Henry Akubuiro (Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel), Temiloluwa Adeshina (Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl), and Olatunbosun Taofeek (The Children At The IDP Camp).

Other authors on the longlist are Ayo Oyeku (The Magic Jalabiya), Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi (The Road Does Not End), Hyginus Ekwuazi (The Third Side of A Coin), Anietie Usen (Village Boy), and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (Wish Maker).

In his remarks, Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development in NLNG, lauded the CORA Book Party as a standout event among the series of activities leading up to the announcement of the Nigeria Prize for Literature winner.

“The CORA Book Party is a remarkable event that brings together the greatest number of authors, books, journalists, and lovers of literature and the arts to celebrate books and their authors. It’s an event laden with positive emotions, giving the day its special spark and the awards their glorious lustre,” Mr. Odeh stated.

He added that the literary atmosphere in the country is charged with hope and anticipation, with everyone eager to see who will emerge as the next laureate of the prestigious The Nigeria Prize for Literature.

Odeh emphasised the commitment of NLNG to Excellence, a value, he said, that has driven the Company from a modest gas company to a major global gas giant over the past 35 years. He stressed that the Prize has not only celebrated literary excellence but also spurred improvements in the quality of books, editing, publishing, and the broader literary ecosystem.

He expressed his pride in the eleven authors who emerged from the array of talents vying for the Prize, stating that their achievements have made their families, their country, and NLNG proud.

Mr Odeh also expressed appreciation to CORA and the Nigerian authors for ensuring that the book party remains a notable book festival in the country’s literary calendar.

In his remarks, CORA’s Secretary-General, Mr. Toyin Akinosho, emphasised the significance of the book party which provides a platform for authors to discuss their work of arts and interact with readers.

“The first book party was organised after a review of the first five years of the Prize, in response to calls that the Prize should do more than a glamorous Gala night in which one author got rich, but the Nigeria book trade and literary scene as a whole didn’t seem elevated. CORA decided to help out,” he stated.

As the Prize continues its commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the arts, the impact of this year’s edition is expected to inspire the next generation of Nigerian writers and readers.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which has been promoting excellence in literature for 20 years, rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature.