The Nigeria Prizes 2026 have officially opened for entries, with organisers unveiling artificial intelligence (AI), poetry and documentary filmmaking as the focal areas for this year’s competition cycle.
The annual awards, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, carry a total prize value of 100,000 dollars and are regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms for recognising excellence in science, literature and the creative arts.
Announcing the opening of the 2026 cycle, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, said the choice of themes reflects the realities of a rapidly changing world.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is shaping economies and redefining problem-solving across sectors. By focusing on AI, we are encouraging innovations that can deliver real value to society,” Palmer-Ikuku said.
For literature, the Nigeria Prize for Literature will this year focus on poetry, a genre organisers described as central to Nigeria’s literary and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the literature category, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, chair of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, said the return of poetry as the focus genre was deliberate.
“Poetry remains one of the most powerful forms of expression, reflection and social engagement. This focus recognises the genre’s enduring relevance and its ability to speak to the human condition in profound ways,” she said.
The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will spotlight documentary filmmaking, continuing the rotation of disciplines within the category. According to the organisers, the documentary film was selected for its capacity to capture social realities and preserve collective memory.
Adimora-Ezeigbo said the creative arts category seeks works that combine strong storytelling with technical excellence.
“Documentary film has the power to inform, question and inspire. We are looking for works that engage society thoughtfully while meeting high artistic standards,” she said.
Organisers reiterated that beyond the $100,000 prize, the Nigeria Prizes are designed to set benchmarks and promote ideas capable of driving national and global impact.
Over the years, the awards have produced winners whose work has gained international recognition, reinforcing their reputation as a leading benchmark for intellectual and creative excellence in Africa.
Submission guidelines, eligibility criteria and deadlines for the 2026 cycle have been released by the organisers, with entries expected to close later in the year.
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