Three Poets Shortlisted For NLNG’s Nigeria Prize For Literature Worth $100,000
By Sunday Etuka
The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has named three poetry collections as finalists for the 2026 edition, narrowing the field in the race for the $100,000 prize.
James Ngwu Eze’s “Unbind Me Now,” Ogaga Ifowodo’s “Why Does God Need A Gun?” and Tares Oburumu’s “Flora’s Love Colony” made the cut from an initial longlist of 11 titles, which itself was drawn from 223 submissions received in July.
The Advisory Board praised each collection for its distinct literary merits. Eze’s work was noted for its fluid, aesthetically striking language addressing sociopolitical dysfunction both nationally and globally, while examining the human condition and paths toward redemption.
Ifowodo’s collection explores religious and political violence in Nigeria through rich allegory, structured around the themes of body, mind and spirit.
Oburumu’s contribution was described as a densely poetic exploration of Nigeria’s troubled history, challenging conventional narratives through vivid imagery.
NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Ann-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, said the shortlist reflects the depth and quality of contemporary Nigerian poetry.
She noted that narrowing 223 submissions down to three finalists proved a demanding task for judges, and that the selected works stood out for their originality, literary craftsmanship and ability to engage readers.
This year’s prize is dedicated to poetry, part of the award’s annual rotation among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.
Now in its 22nd year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature is sponsored by NLNG as part of its broader commitment to fostering literary excellence in Nigeria.
With three finalists now confirmed, attention turns to which poet will ultimately claim the prize.
