Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 is now open for entries, offering an incredible opportunity for Nigerian authors to gain national and international recognition. Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), this prestigious annual award celebrates literary excellence by honoring the author of the best book written by a Nigerian. Established to promote the development of Nigerian literature, the prize not only highlights exceptional storytelling but also encourages a thriving literary culture within the country.
The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly among four literary genres – Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature. For the 2025 edition, the spotlight is on Prose Fiction, inviting submissions from talented authors who bring compelling narratives to life.
Award Benefits
The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 offers remarkable benefits to the winning author, enhancing their literary career and amplifying their voice on both national and international stages. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Monetary Prize: The winner receives USD 100,000, one of the most substantial literary awards in Africa, providing financial support to further their writing career.
- National and International Recognition: The prize elevates the winner’s status, gaining them recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading literary voices and enhancing their global reach.
- Career Advancement: Winning the award creates opportunities for book deals, translations, and invitations to literary events, boosting the author’s professional growth.
- Media Exposure: The award attracts significant media attention, offering extensive publicity and increasing the visibility of the author and their work.
- Literary Engagements: The winner will participate in public readings, book signings, and other events, connecting with readers, literary influencers, and industry professionals.
- Cultural Contribution: The award celebrates Nigerian literature, inspiring future writers and promoting the richness of Nigerian storytelling traditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: The competition is open exclusively to Nigerian authors, regardless of their place of residence.
- Genre Focus: Entries must be in the genre of Prose Fiction, as the 2025 edition is dedicated to this category.
- Publication Date: Only books published from 2022 onwards are eligible. No book published before 2022 will be accepted.
- Originality and Language: Entries must be original works written in English. Translations and adaptations are not eligible.
- Publication Status: Only published works are accepted. Unpublished manuscripts will not be considered.
- Previous Submissions: Books previously submitted for this competition are not eligible unless a new edition has been published.
- Authorship: An author is allowed to submit only one published work for the competition.
- Conflict of Interest: Members of the Advisory Board, Panel of Judges, and their family members are not eligible to enter during their term and for five years after.
Application Process
Applying for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 is a straightforward process designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Follow the steps below to submit your entry:
- Obtain the Application Form: Visit www.thenigeriaprizes.org to download the application form.
- Complete and Print the Form: Fill out the form accurately and print a hard copy to be submitted along with your entry.
- Prepare Your Submission: Ensure that your entry meets all eligibility criteria, including being a published work in Prose Fiction and released from 2022 onwards.
- Submit Your Entry: Entries can be submitted either by the author or through a publisher. Send your completed form and entry to NLNG’s External Relations Division at any of the designated submission centers in Port Harcourt, Lagos, or London.
From Our Channel
Required Documents
To successfully submit an entry for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Completed Application Form: Download and fill out the application form from www.thenigeriaprizes.org. Ensure all required fields are accurately completed.
- Copies of the Book: Submit twelve (12) hard copies of the entry along with one (1) e-copy.
- Proof of Nigerian Citizenship: Include a photocopy of a valid Nigerian passport or National Identity Card to confirm citizenship.
- Cover Letter (Optional): A cover letter from the author or publisher may be included to provide additional context or information about the entry.
Submission Process
To submit an entry for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025, follow the steps outlined below:
- Compile Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including the completed application form, twelve (12) hard copies of the book, one (1) e-copy, and proof of Nigerian citizenship.
- Package Your Submission: Ensure all documents are securely packaged to prevent damage during delivery. Clearly label the package with the title of the book and the author’s name.
- Choose a Submission Center: Submit your entry to any of the following designated NLNG External Relations Division centers:
- Port Harcourt: NLNG Corporate Head Office, NLNG Road, Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
- Lagos: NLNG Lagos Transit Office, 38 Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
- London: NLNG London Liaison Office, 4th Floor, The Oval House, 10 Eamont Street, London NW8 7DX.
- Submit Before the Deadline: All entries must be submitted by midnight GMT on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Confirmation of Receipt: Upon submission, a confirmation of receipt will be issued. Retain this as proof of submission.
Selection Process
The selection process for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 is designed to ensure fairness and transparency. It involves several stages, as outlined below:
- Screening of Entries: All submitted entries are first screened to confirm they meet the eligibility criteria, including genre, publication date, and citizenship requirements. Incomplete or ineligible entries are disqualified at this stage.
- Assessment by the Panel of Judges: A panel of judges, comprising literary experts and critics in Prose Fiction, is appointed by the Advisory Board. They independently review and evaluate each entry based on literary merit, originality, language, and overall impact.
- Longlist Selection: From the initial review, a longlist of entries is selected. These represent the top submissions that demonstrate exceptional storytelling and creativity.
- Shortlist Announcement: The judges further evaluate the longlisted entries to create a shortlist of finalists. Shortlisted authors may be invited to participate in interviews or promotional activities.
- Final Judging and Winner Selection: The judges deliberate on the shortlisted entries and select the winner. The decision is based on the overall literary excellence and contribution to Nigerian literature.
- Approval by Advisory Board: The panel’s decision is submitted to the Advisory Board for final approval. The Board ensures that the selection process aligns with the competition’s standards and guidelines.
- Announcement of Winner: The winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 is announced at an award ceremony in October 2025. The event celebrates the literary achievement and officially presents the USD 100,000 prize to the winning author.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025 is Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, by midnight GMT.
