No fewer than 223 literary submissions are competing for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, as organisers have officially begun the evaluation process for the 2026 edition, which spotlights poetry.
The entries were formally presented by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to the Advisory Board and the panel of judges, signaling the commencement of what stakeholders describe as a thorough and highly competitive assessment.
During the handover, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall—represented by Abdul Umar—highlighted that the phase marks the onset of careful and detailed scrutiny that will ultimately shape the outcome of this year’s award.
She noted that the process requires patience, diligence, and sound judgment to identify the work that will stand out in this edition.
•Second from left: Abdul Umar, Manager, Government Relations, representing the GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development, NLNG, hands over the 2026 entries for the Nigeria Prize for Literature to the Advisory Board in Lagos, as the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, receives the entries on behalf of the Board.
Regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary awards, the $100,000 prize returns to the poetry category this year, attracting a large number of entries from writers nationwide.
Horsfall pointed out that poetry demands a high level of creativity and precision, adding that expectations remain high due to the standards set by previous winners.
She further explained that beyond celebrating literary talent, the Prize has played a key role in promoting a reading culture, encouraging disciplined writing, and strengthening Nigeria’s literary ecosystem.
According to her, the credibility of the award depends on the transparency and integrity of its judging process, which will span several months and produce a longlist of 11 works, a shortlist of three finalists, and eventually a winner.
Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, praised NLNG for sustaining the initiative, describing it as an important platform that mirrors the growth and transformation of Nigerian literature.
She added that each edition highlights the richness and diversity of Nigerian writing, while urging the judges to maintain the highest standards in selecting the eventual winner.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature remains NLNG’s flagship cultural initiative, underscoring its commitment to education, the arts, and national development, while continuing to set the pace for literary excellence across the continent.
