By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, April 20, ’26 (TNZ) The 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature has entered the adjudication stage, as the NLNG formally handed over 223 entries to the Advisory Board and panel of judges in Lagos on Monday.
TheNewsZenith reports that the submission volume reflects a strong outing for the poetry
category, broadly in line with recent cycles and demonstrating sustained participation from
writers.
While slightly below some peak years, the figure remains competitive, particularly when viewed alongside recent prose entries.
This underscores continued interest in the Prize and reaffirms its significance within Nigeria’s literary landscape.
Speaking at a press conference on the entries, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall, described the handover as the beginning of a rigorous and defining process that will ultimately determine this year’s winning work
Abdul Umar, NLNG’s Manager, Government Relations, represented Horsfall at the event.
“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.
“This year’s $100,000 Prize, one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, focuses on Poetry.
“The genre demands precision, depth, and clarity, with expectations shaped by the strong benchmark set in previous cycles.
“This is so, particularly with the 2022 edition, which produced a winning work that continues to resonate within contemporary Nigerian literature,” TheNewsZenith quotes Horsfall as stating.
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She reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustaining a credible platform that promotes literary
excellence and contributes to national development through the arts, inspiring a sustainable future.
“At NLNG, we have consistently provided a platform that supports excellence and inspires a
sustainable future.
“Beyond recognising talent, the Prize has contributed to the growth of reading culture. It has also encouraged discipline in writing and strengthened Nigeria’s literary landscape,” she added.
Horsfall formally presented the entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by Prof. Akachi
Adimora-Ezeigbo.
The chairperson, in turn, handed the entries over to the panel of judges for evaluation in line with established standards.
In her remarks, Adimora-Ezeigbo commended NLNG for its continued dedication to the Prize, noting that each edition reflects the evolving depth and diversity of Nigerian writing across genres.
She also acknowledged the writers, whose submissions continue to sustain the Prize’s
relevance and impact.
The chairperson urged the judges to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and depth in selecting the winning entry.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored annually by NLNG, remains a flagship initiative in the company’s commitment to education, culture, and sustainable development.
It continues to serve as a benchmark for literary excellence in Africa. (TNZ)
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