223 entries narrowed to 11 as NLNG unveils 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature Longlist

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The race for the coveted $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature has intensified as the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) announced an 11-title longlist for the 2026 edition of Africa’s richest literary prize, narrowing the field from an impressive 223 poetry entries.

The longlist, unveiled on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, marks a major milestone in this year’s competition and underscores the growing vibrancy, creativity and global relevance of contemporary Nigerian poetry.

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo

According to Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo, the quality of entries received this year reflects the continued evolution of Nigerian literature, with the selected collections showcasing poetry’s enduring ability to interrogate history, preserve cultural memory and illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

The 11 longlisted works, arranged alphabetically, are Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide, Bakandimiya by Saddiq Dzukogi, Black Passport by Paul Akpomuje, 2000 Blacks by Ajibola Tolase, Ceremony for The Nameless by Theresa Lola, Corpus: Animistic Verses by Ayo Oyeku, Floral’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu, The Origin of Wounds by Malik Gbolahan, The Years of Blood by Adebayo Agarau, Unbind Me Now by James Ugwu Eze and Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo.

At the handing over of the 223 entries by the General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, represented by Abdul Umar, Manager, Govt. Relations to Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo last April

Speaking on the significance of the longlist, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said the collections revisit historical experiences while questioning dominant narratives and exposing the forces that continue to shape identities, communities and social relations.

She noted that although the books differ in themes and perspectives, they are united by a shared exploration of resilience, highlighting how individuals and societies confront violence, oppression and social fragmentation.

The Advisory Board chairman also praised the literary craftsmanship displayed by the authors, describing the collections as rich in lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.

According to her, many of the poets employ allegorical and elegiac forms that invite multiple interpretations, while others successfully blend folklore, oral traditions and contemporary realities to produce works that bridge the past and the present.

Ideal library

She further observed that the collections are distinguished by evocative language, vivid imagery and intellectual depth, demonstrating poetry’s unique capacity to challenge conventional thinking while giving voice to both personal and collective experiences.

“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said.

She commended members of the judging panel for their diligence and professionalism, reaffirming the Advisory Board’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and merit-driven selection process while promoting literary excellence and a stronger reading culture across Nigeria.

With the release of the longlist, attention now shifts to the announcement of a three-title shortlist in August, ahead of the unveiling of the eventual winner in October.

Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the Nigeria Prize for Literature carries a $100,000 cash award, making it the richest literary prize in Africa. Now in its 22nd year, the prize rotates annually among four literary genres—prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature—with the 2026 edition dedicated to poetry.

In the 2025 edition, Nigerian author Oyindamola Olugbile won the coveted prizes receiving the $100,000 grand prize for her debut novel, Sanya.