Eleven outstanding poetry collections have emerged on the long list of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, selected from 223 entries received for the competition.
The chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, stated that the entries mark a significant milestone in this year’s competition and reflect the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of contemporary poetry.
The long listed titles, arranged alphabetically are:
Adult Love byTanure Ojaide
Bakandimiya 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 byJames Ugwu Eze
Why Does God Need a Gun by Ogaga Ifowodo
Speaking on the qualities of the entries, Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo explained that the announcement is an important stage in the 2026 edition of the arguably African biggest and most prestigious literary Prize.
She noted that the collections demonstrate the remarkable capacity of poetry to illuminate human experience through thoughtful reflection, cultural memory and artistic expression.
Prof Adimora-Ezeigbo added that the works revisit history while interrogating dominant historical narratives and exposing the forces that shape collective identities and social relations.
She stated that despite their varied emphases, the books share a commitment to exploring the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of violence, oppression and social fragmentation.
Commenting on style and language, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said that the books displayed an impressive diversity of poetic techniques marked by lyrical intensity, symbolic depth and artistic innovation.
“Many employ densely poetic, allegorical and elegiac modes that invite multiple layers of interpretation, while others draw extensively on folklore, oral traditions and contemporary realities to create a compelling fusion of past and present.
“Their language is generally fluid, evocative and aesthetically refined, relying on vivid imagery, emotional resonance and intellectual sophistication to communicate complex ideas. These works demonstrate how poetic language can illuminate social realities; challenge established perspectives and give voice to both individual and collective experiences.
“The next stage will demand a closer reading of each work, with attention to language, form, originality and lasting literary value,” she stated.
She also commended the judges for their work and reaffirmed the Advisory Board’s commitment to a credible process, literary excellence and the promotion of a strong reading culture.
The announcement of the 11-title long list formally opens the next phase of the shortlist of three in August and possible announcement of the winner in October.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by the NLNG, carries a cash award of $100,000 for the author of the winning book.
According to the statement by Sophia Horsfall, general manager, External Relations & Sustainable Development of the NLNG, the prize rotates annually across four genres – prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature – with the 2026 edition devoted to poetry,
GIK/APA