[From Left]: Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs; 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 Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who received the entries on behalf of the Board.
LAGOS — The quest for Nigeria’s next literary masterpiece began in earnest on Monday April 20, 2026, as 223 poetry entries were handed over to the Advisory Board for the Prize, for adjudication in the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature.
The submission volume represents a robust showing for the poetry category. While slightly below some peak years, the figure remains highly competitive, signalling sustained interest in the $100,000 prize—widely considered Africa’s most prestigious literary honour. The entries were formally presented to the Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who in turn handed them over to the panel of judges for evaluation in line with established standards.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Lagos, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the moment as the start of a “rigorous and defining process.”
Represented by Abdul Umar, Manager of Government Relations, Horsfall noted that the adjudication will ultimately determine the work that defines the pinnacle of Nigerian poetry this year.
Her words: “This marks the start of a process that demands attention, patience, and sound judgement, and will ultimately determine the work that defines this year’s Prize.”
Dr. Horsfall noted that the genre demands precision, depth, and clarity, with expectations shaped by the strong benchmark set in previous cycles, particularly the 2022 edition, which produced a winning work that continues to resonate within contemporary Nigerian literature.
She reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustaining a credible platform that promotes literary excellence and contributes to national development through the arts.
“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, encouraged discipline in writing, and strengthened Nigeria’s literary landscape,” she added.
Dr. Horsfall also emphasised that the credibility of the prize lies in the integrity of its adjudication process,
which will involve months of detailed reading, evaluation, and deliberation, culminating in a longlist of eleven entries, a shortlist of three, and ultimately, the selection of a winner.
Receiving the entries, Prof. 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 and urged the panel of judges to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism
and depth in selecting the winning entry.
In her closing remarks, NLNG’s Manager Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, described The Nigeria Prize For Literature as a platform that has shaped literature through years of upholding excellence.
“There are very few platforms in Nigeria that have consistently shaped a field the way this Prize has shaped literature. Its standing rests on years of steady work, careful judgement, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way,” she stated, adding, “Our involvement in this Prize has remained deliberate in sustaining a platform that continues to earn credibility and command respect. NLNG does so with a clear understanding of the role literature plays in shaping our society’s intellectual and cultural life. That position remains firm as we continue inspiring a sustainable future.”
Continuing Palmer-Ikuku said, “This poetry year brings a certain expectation. For you as a writer to step forward with your work, it is highly impressive. Poetry does not allow any room for distraction. It requires clarity of thought and control of language. That is not a simple task.
“In the months ahead, what happens next will require critical attention, unbiased judgement and publicity by the media. In the end, it will produce an outcome that reflects the standard this prize has come to represent. We look forward to that moment.”
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored annually by NLNG, remains a flagship initiative in the company’s commitment to education, culture, and sustainable development, and continues to serve as a benchmark for literary excellence in Africa.
