This year’s spotlight is on prose fiction, and the competition attracted a record-breaking 252 entries, surpassing both the 2024 tally of 163 and the previous prose fiction record of 202 entries set in 2021.
By Evidence Egwuono Adjarho
Often regarded as the most prestigious literary prize in Africa, and among the most lucrative in the world with its $100,000 cash award, the Nigeria Prize for Literature announced its 11-title longlist for the 2025 edition on July 23rd. Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, the prize is notable not only for its monetary value but for its rotating focus among four genres: prose fiction, drama, poetry, and children’s literature. This year’s spotlight is on prose fiction, and the competition attracted a record-breaking 252 entries, surpassing both the 2024 tally of 163 and the previous prose fiction record of 202 entries set in 2021.
In remarks earlier in the year, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, expressed optimism about the submissions: “We are optimistic that the calibre and volume of entries submitted this year will significantly elevate the quality of the competition.”
The 2025 Longlist for Prose Fiction:
- 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
Following the announcement, acclaimed novelist, Chigozie Obioma, who made the list with The Road to the Country, took to his X page to share his excitement: “Grateful. Writing is hard, so this recognition means a lot!”
Also noteworthy is the inclusion of two previous winners: Chika Unigwe, who won the prose fiction category in 2012 with On Black Sisters’ Street, and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, who took home the prize in 2016 for Season of Crimson Blossoms.
Their appearance has stirred debate online, with some readers and critics raising concerns about the fairness of the selection process, arguing that including former winners might limit opportunities for new and emerging voices.
In another X post, prominent literary critic, Ikhide Ikheloa, remarked: “As in previous years, the longlist showcases the drift and lack of strategic vision of the prize. What is its purpose? How does it help to promote literature in Nigeria?” His comments reflect the sentiments of others who question the prize’s structural framework and broader impact on the literary ecosystem.
Yet, amid the critiques, there is no denying the strength of the 2025 longlist. With its rich variety of themes, styles, and voices, this year’s selection is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the prize’s history. While each of the listed writers has shown remarkable literary prowess, only one will eventually emerge as the winner.
The next stage of the prize will see the Advisory Board announce a shortlist of three finalists later this year and the winner will be unveiled at a public ceremony scheduled for October.
As anticipation builds, readers, critics, and publishers alike will be watching closely to see who claims the top honour in what is shaping up to be a historic year for the Nigerian prize for Literature. Who will take home Africa’s most coveted literary prize? The wait begins.