The 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature has taken a thrilling turn as the advisory board on Wednesday unveiled a longlist of 11 titles contending for the $100,000 grand prize.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, the Nigeria LNG-sponsored prize promises not only financial reward but a moment of national recognition for literary excellence. This year’s edition focuses on prose fiction and features an intense race among established authors and promising voices.
According to the advisory board, a total of 252 submissions were received for the prize. From this pool, 11 standout titles have emerged, setting the stage for what could be described as a literary showdown of epic proportions.
Chairman of the advisory board, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, expressed enthusiasm about the list and the standard it represents.
“In sifting through the 252 submissions, the judges have not only selected 11 books, they have unveiled narratives that embody the standards of literary excellence,” she said.
“These books are windows into diverse worlds, each brimming with depth, emotion, and craftsmanship. As we move from this longlist to the finalists and ultimately the winner, the journey promises to be one of profound emotional resonance, with each page of these works drawing us closer to a deserving champion. The 2025 edition will surely be a celebration of the power of storytelling at its finest.”
She also emphasised the power of prose fiction in shaping minds, noting that relevance, quality and imagination are key ingredients in storytelling for future generations.
Commending the judges for their rigorous process, Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to excellence and fostering a strong reading culture.
The longlisted books are:
- An Unusual Grief by Yewande Omotoso
- Fine Dreams by Linda Masi
- Leave my Bones in Saskatoon by Michael Afenfia
- New York My Village by Uwem Akpan
- PETRICHOR, The Scent of a New Beginning by Ayo Oyeku
- Sanya by Oyin Olugbile
- The Middle Daughter by Chika Unigwe
- The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma
- This Motherless Land by Nikki May
- Water Baby by Chioma Okereke
- When We Were Fireflies by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
The winner of the prize will be announced at a grand award night in October, an event that also commemorates NLNG’s first LNG shipment in 1999.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.
The 2025 edition, already proving to be one of the most competitive yet, promises to uphold the tradition of celebrating Africa’s literary greatness through powerful storytelling.
