The Nigeria Prize for Literature has unveiled an 11-book longlist for its 2026 poetry cycle, narrowing 223 entries for Africa’s richest literary award. Organised by Nigeria LNG Limited and the Committee for Relevant Art, the longlisted authors were celebrated on Sunday in Lagos.
The 11 Poetry Collections Competing for the $100,000 Prize
Eleven poetry collections made the cut for the 2026 competition, which carries a $100,000 cash award. The Advisory Board for the Prize, chaired by Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, announced the selection, marking the first major milestone in this year’s poetry cycle.
The longlisted titles, arranged alphabetically, feature a blend of established literary figures and emerging voices across contemporary Nigerian and African poetry.
- Adult Love by Tanure Ojaide
- Bakandamiya 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
- Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo
The competition drew 223 entries after submissions opened in February.
Literary Themes and the Adjudication Process
Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that the selected collections reflect the richness, diversity, and evolving strength of contemporary verse. She observed that the works revisit history while interrogating dominant narratives, exposing the social, political, and cultural forces that shape collective identities.
“Despite their varied concerns, the books share a commitment to exploring the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.”
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairman of the Advisory Board
The Advisory Board noted that the collections display a remarkable range of poetic styles, utilizing lyrical intensity, symbolic depth, and artistic innovation. While some works draw extensively from folklore and oral traditions, others engage modern realities to build a dialogue between past and present.
CORA Book Party Celebrates Longlisted Poets in Lagos
Following the longlist announcement, the selected authors gathered on Sunday in Lagos for the annual CORA Book Party. Organized in partnership with the Committee for Relevant Art, the event offered a public platform for the poets to read selections from their work and discuss the inspiration behind their writing.
Sophia Horsfall, the General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Limited, told attendees that the gathering highlights the transformative power of literature. Horsfall noted that the 2026 poetry cycle attracted 223 entries, each demonstrating the vitality of Nigerian poetry and the confidence writers place in the prize.
“The 2026 Poetry cycle attracted 223 entries, each offering a distinct rhythm, perspective and artistic expression. Together, these submissions attest to the vitality of Nigerian poetry and to the confidence Nigerian writers continue to place in the NLNG-sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature.”
Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development
CORA Secretary-General Toyin Akinosho praised the sponsor’s ongoing support, emphasizing that the event gives visibility to authors and encourages direct dialogue between creators and their readers before the final winner is named.
“We are here because a profitable Nigerian gas company decided that a way to spend some share of its profit is to enable the Nigerian reading space. I’d like to thank NLNG for continuing to support this yearly afternoon of book conversation and the celebration of this country’s finest authors.”
Toyin Akinosho, CORA Secretary-General
Timeline and the Evolution of Africa’s Richest Prize
The award carries a current $100,000 status.
The competition now moves toward its next critical milestone.
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