Lagos: James Ngwu Eze, Ogaga Ifowodo, and Tares Oburumu have been shortlisted for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the three poets emerged from an initial pool of 223 submissions, following the longlist of 11 titles announced in July. The shortlisted works are: ‘Unbind Me Now’ by Eze, ‘Why Does God Need a Gun’ by Ifowodo, and ‘Flora’s Love Colony’ by Oburumu. The winner will receive a cash prize of 100,000 U.S. dollars.
Eze’s ‘Unbind Me Now’ uses fluid and aesthetically captivating language to condemn the sociopolitical dysfunction of Nigeria and the wider world. Ifowodo’s ‘Why Does God Need a Gun’ depicts religious and political violence in Nigeria through a rich allegorical style, while Oburumu’s ‘Flora’s Love Colony’ is written in a densely poetic style and explores Nigeria’s troubled history.
The shortlist followed an intensive judging process that assessed the works based on language, form, originality, craftsmanship, and lasting literary value. Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, said the selection reflected the depth and quality of contemporary Nigerian poetry. Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that arriving at the final three from 223 submissions was a demanding task for the judges, highlighting the shortlisted works’ literary excellence, originality, and ability to engage readers and the wider world.
The 2026 edition of the prize is dedicated to poetry, continuing its annual rotation among prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by NLNG, aims to recognize literary excellence, encourage creativity, and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s literary culture. The winner will be announced after the final stage of adjudication.