The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has announced a new initiative, “The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts”, designed to empower and inspire young Nigerians to tell stories that redefine the nation’s image through documentary filmmaking.
At a press conference in Lagos, the company revealed that the new category, under its long-running Nigeria Prizes platform, will target emerging filmmakers aged 18 to 35.
The Prize will encourage the production of short documentary films that celebrate Nigeria’s identity, creativity and resilience while reshaping global perceptions of the country.
The prize cycle begins in February 2026, with a call for entries to run alongside The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature. The winner will receive a cash award of $20,000.
Speaking at the unveiling, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, described the initiative as part of the company’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative capital.
“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to show the world our complexity, brilliance, and resilience through film,” she said.
“This Prize symbolises NLNG’s belief that storytelling is nation-building, that every frame, every voice, and every perspective matters.”
Horsfall added that the Prize would serve as a bridge between Nigeria’s vibrant youth population and the creative industry, amplifying the nation’s voice globally while promoting unity and understanding through storytelling.
The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will be chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, with Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima as members.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo said the new category represents a milestone in NLNG’s two-decade journey of celebrating excellence.
“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed,” she stated.
“This new Prize challenges young documentary filmmakers to explore memory, interrogate experience, and translate reality into meaning.”
She added that, like its sister prizes, the new award will be guided by the principles of excellence and integrity that have defined NLNG’s brand.
Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Joel Benson, who has been appointed Technical Adviser to the Advisory Board, noted that the competition will be benchmarked against international film festival standards to ensure that winning entries can compete globally.
Benson, who directed Daughters of Chibok and Madu, the first Nigerian documentary to win an Emmy Award, disclosed that only short documentaries not exceeding 20 minutes will be accepted for the inaugural edition. Entries will be judged based on storytelling craft, originality, production quality, and creativity.
The judging panel will be chaired by Dr. Sam Dede, veteran actor, directornand lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.
Other members include Adeola Aderonke, an award-winning film director and art historian, and George Ugwuja, a renowned film producer known for his work with international organisations.
The prize cycle will conclude in October 2026 with a Grand Award Night sponsored by NLNG, where the winner will be officially announced.
