By Bamike Folorunsho
252 Writers Vie for $100,000 NLNG Literature Prize
A total of 252 Nigerian authors have submitted their entries for the 2025 edition of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Prize for Literature, one of Africa’s most prestigious literary awards, with a cash prize of $100,000.
This year’s competition focuses on the prose fiction category, and it has drawn a wide array of entries from both emerging and established writers across the country and in the diaspora.
Organized annually by Nigeria LNG Limited, the prize is designed to promote Nigerian literature and recognize outstanding literary talent. It rotates among four genres—prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature—on a four-year cycle.
According to the prize’s advisory board, the volume and quality of entries this year reflect the growing strength of Nigeria’s literary landscape and the enduring relevance of the prize.
“The response has been overwhelming,” the board said in a statement. “It speaks to the importance of literature in shaping narratives and inspiring change in society.”
A panel of judges, comprising seasoned writers, critics, and academics, will begin the rigorous review process in the coming weeks. A longlist, shortlist, and ultimately the winner will be announced later in the year.
Past winners of the NLNG Prize include literary heavyweights such as Chika Unigwe, Helon Habila, and Sefi Atta, further cementing its role as a launchpad for global recognition.
Now in its 20th year, the NLNG Prize continues to affirm literature as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual life.
