The Nigerian Prize for Literature has announced the long list for its 2021 edition.

Founded in 2005, the prize which is sponsored by Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), recognises a published work in a particular genre by a Nigerian writer based anywhere in the world. At $100,000 (N41.1 million), it is the richest African prize, and one of the world’s richest.

The 2021 long list of 11 was selected from over 202 books, by a judging panel that included Professor Toyin Jegede (Chair), Professor of Literature in English at the University of Ibadan; Prof. Tanimu Abubakar, Professor of Literature at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Dr. Solomon Azumurana, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Lagos. They described the shortlist as “fresh approaches to looking at issues, using new and exciting narrative strategies, techniques and well-written organic plots to present topical discussions in realistic ways.” They also noted the improvement in the quality of works entered for the prize. A shortlist will be announced in September and a winner, if any, in October.

2021 Longlist for the NLNG Prize for Literature