Nigeria’s literary scene came alive over the weekend as the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), in collaboration with the Nigeria LNG (NLNG), hosted a book party in Lagos to celebrate the 11 authors longlisted for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Held on Sunday, the event marked the first public appearance of the longlisted authors.
It featured book readings and a panel discussion, with writers participating both physically and virtually. The gathering brought together a vibrant mix of writers, readers, literary enthusiasts and members of the media in celebration of Nigerian storytelling.
This year’s longlist, drawn from a record-breaking 252 entries in the prose fiction category, was selected by a judging panel chaired by Professor Saeedat Aliyu of Kwara State University.
Other members of the panel include Professor Stephen Mbanefo Ogene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Olakunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club.
In her remarks, NLNG’s general manager for external relations and sustainable development Sophia Horsfall described the event as one of the most exciting highlights leading up to the announcement of the winner in October.
“The NLNG/CORA Book Party is a unique celebration, one that draws authors, journalists, and lovers of literature together in a way that brings excitement and visibility to Nigerian writing,” she said.
“This Book Party is a testament to NLNG’s enduring belief in Nigeria’s creative future. While we produce energy to power homes, we also believe that stories power hope. In the past 20 years, the literature prize has ignited dreams, sharpened critical thinking, and inspired a new generation of Nigerian writers now stepping onto the global literary stage. The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to give visibility, validation, and encouragement to stories that might otherwise go unheard, reminding the world that Nigeria has voices that matter,” she added.
Horsfall also highlighted the literary community’s growing anticipation ahead of the winner announcement, noting that beyond celebrating writers, the prize has helped improve standards in editing, publishing and the wider literary ecosystem in Nigeria.
She praised the longlisted authors, saying their achievement is not only a personal milestone but a source of pride for their families, the country and NLNG.
Also speaking at the event, CORA secretary-general Toyin Akinosho stressed the importance of creating more public literary platforms that foster engagement between writers and readers. He said spaces that allow for meaningful conversations and an exchange of ideas are vital to nurturing a dynamic literary culture.
Now in its 21st year, The Nigeria Prize for Literature is Africa’s most prestigious literary prize, worth $100,000. It rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.
The 2025 longlist features a mix of established names and new voices, including past winners like Abubakar Ibrahim and Chika Unigwe.
Masobe Books, an independent Nigerian publisher, made an impressive showing with five titles on the longlist, reflecting its growing influence on the literary landscape.
The shortlist of three to five titles is expected to be released in September, ahead of the final announcement in October.
