Opening Remark by Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, at NPL Handover of Entries press conference, on April 20 th , 2026.
Chairman and members of the Advisory Board, our resourceful panel of judges, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, it is good to have you here.
We are at the beginning of a process that requires attention, patience, and sound judgement – one that will run its course and ultimately determine the outcome of this year’s Prize.
The Focus: Poetry And the Standard It Demands
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, worth $100,000, notably one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Africa, as you already know, focuses on Poetry this year. Expectations around this Prize are usually shaped by the genre in focus and the quality of work it attracts. Poetry, on its own, requires a particular kind of attention – one that values precision, depth, and the ability to express complex ideas in few
words and with clarity. In many cases, a single line defines the entire piece.
In 2022, this same category produced a winning work by Romeo Oriogun that has continued to hold its place within contemporary Nigerian literature. That cycle remains a useful reference for the standard this Prize represents.
In this year’s cycle, we have recorded 224 entries, each reflecting the continued engagement of writers with this Prize.
NLNG’s Role and The Significance Of The Prize
At NLNG, we remain committed to sustaining a platform that supports literary excellence while inspiring a sustainable future. We have provided the platform, but the credibility of the Prize rests on the
integrity of its process and the quality of the works it attracts. Over the years, this Prize has done more than recognise talent. In alignment with NLNG’s core value of excellence, this Prize has contributed to the growth of reading culture, encouraged discipline in writing, and sustained a space where Nigerian literature can continue to develop with confidence.
What is fascinating is that annually, The Nigeria Prize for Literature ignites a spirited conversation that extends far beyond the bounds of the literary community. With every new cycle, it sparks anticipation,
debate, critical reflection, and cultural engagement, drawing national attention to the role of literature as both a mirror and moulder of society. The Prize creates an important public moment in which ideas
are contested, stories are examined, and the voices of Nigerian writers are amplified. In doing so, it sustains a vibrant tradition of intellectual exchange and reinforces literature’s capacity to provoke
thought, inspire dialogue, and deepen national consciousness. We have the media to thank for igniting some of these conversations and we urge you to continue in your good work of bringing both the art
and the writers to limelight.
The Process: From Submission To Selection
The entries before us represent different voices, perspectives, and interpretations of the world around us. It marks the beginning of a process that will move from this room into months of reading,
deliberation, and careful selection – from a longlist of eleven to a shortlist of three, and possibly, to a winning work that will stand as a reference point for this cycle.
As standard protocol, in a few moments, these works will be formally handed over to the Advisory Board, under the leadership of Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, and to the panel of judges, who will
undertake the responsibility of evaluation. Their task is immense, especially as every year signals unique works on a different literary genre from the list of Drama, Children’s, Prose Fiction, and Poetry. We
commend their dedication to upholding the highest literary standards.
With great anticipation of another exciting award, we look forward to the outcome of the adjudication process and the grand celebration of the winning work in October.
To the members of the Advisory Board and the panel of judges, we acknowledge the depth of work ahead and the responsibility it carries. To the writers whose entries are part of this process, your
participation contributes to the continued relevance of this Prize.
With that said, it is our honour to hand-over the 224 entries for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature.
