The advisory board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature has shortlisted 11 poetry collections for the 2026 competition, with the winner to receive a cash prize of $100,000 (about N140 million).

The chairman of the advisory board, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, announced the longlist in a statement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The statement was made available by the general manager of external relations and sustainable development, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Sophia Horsfall.

Ms Adimora-Ezeigbo said the 11 poetry collections were selected from 233 entries, submitted for this year’s competition.

She described the longlist as a significant milestone, reflecting the quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary Nigerian poetry.

“The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book,” she said.

The longlisted works are “Adult Love” by Tanure Ojaide, “Bakandimiya” by Saddiq Dzukogi, “Black Passport” by Paul Akpomuje, and “2000 Blacks” by Ajibola Tolase.

Others are “Ceremony for the Nameless” by Theresa Lola, “Corpus: Animistic Verses” by Ayo Oyeku, “Floral’s Love Colony” by Tares Oburumu, and “The Origin of Wounds” by Malik Gbolahan.

Also on the list are “The Years of Blood” by Adebayo Agarau, “Unbind Me Now” by James Eze, and “Why Does God Need a Gun” by Ogaga Ifowodo.

Ms Adimora-Ezeigbo described the competition as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary prizes and praised the quality of this year’s entries.

According to her, the selected works illuminate human experience through reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.

She said many of the collections revisit history while interrogating dominant narratives and exploring identity, resilience and social justice.

“The books display an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation,” she said.

She explained that the works also draw on folklore, oral traditions and contemporary realities to create compelling expressions of shared experiences.

“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she added.

Ms Adimora-Ezeigbo commended the panel of judges and reaffirmed the advisory board’s commitment to transparency, literary excellence and the promotion of reading culture.

The announcement of the 11-title longlist marks the beginning of the next phase of the competition.

The shortlist of three finalists is expected in August, while the winner will be announced in October.

(NAN)