The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has unveiled a new logo and opened entries for the 2026 edition of the prestigious Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature, following the dissolution of the committee previously responsible for administering the award.
The announcement was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin, inviting Nigerian writers at home and abroad to participate in the 2026 competition.
The Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature recognises excellence and outstanding achievement in Nigerian fiction. Established in 2021, it has, over the years, honoured several outstanding works by Nigerian writers.
Previous winners of the prize include Obinna Ndenwe, whose Colours of Hatred won in 2021; Sylva Nze Ifedigbo, whose Believers and Hustlers emerged winner in 2022; Nikę Campbell, author of Saro, in 2023; Ifeoma Chinwuba, whose Sons of the East won in 2024; and Ndidi Chiazor Enenmor, author of See Morocco, See Spain, who won the 2025 edition.
ANA also expressed appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) for its sponsorship commitment of ₦10 million to support prize money and administrative costs for the 2026–2030 period.
According to the association, the 2026 competition is open to published novels written by Nigerian authors and released in either 2025 or 2026.
Manuscripts will not be accepted, while there is no entry fee. An author is permitted to submit only one title, and works previously entered for the prize are not eligible.
ANA stated that authors or publishers seeking to enter the competition must submit 10 copies of the published novel, proof of Nigerian citizenship, and a covering letter clearly stating the prize being entered for.
Other requirements include the author’s email address, telephone number and postal address, as well as the publisher’s details, year of publication and International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
“The Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature remains an important platform for recognising excellence in Nigerian fiction and encouraging writers to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s literary heritage,” ANA stated.
Entries will be assessed on literary quality, originality, creativity, language, narrative craft, characterisation and thematic depth.
The association added that all submissions must be original and comply with Nigerian copyright laws, with authors and publishers bearing responsibility for any cases of copyright infringement.
The competition is not open to members of ANA’s Board of Trustees (BOT), National Executive Council (NEC), members of the judging panel, staff of United Nigeria Airlines, or their immediate family members.
Judges are also required to disclose and recuse themselves from considering entries in which they have a conflict of interest, including works they have edited, published or written supporting material for.
The winner of the 2026 Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature will receive ₦1 million and a plaque or certificate.
ANA noted that the prize may be deferred if there is no deserving entry or if no entry is received. Where only one entry is submitted, however, the prize may still be awarded if the judges consider the work deserving.
The decision of the judges will be final, while ANA reserves the right to verify all information submitted and disqualify entries that fail to meet the stipulated requirements. Copies of submitted books will not be returned.
The deadline for submission is 15 September 2026, while the shortlist is expected to be announced on 15 October 2026.
The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner during the ANA International Annual Convention, scheduled to hold from 29 October to 1 November 2026.
Entries should be addressed to:
The General Secretary
Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
KM 2, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village
Mpape, Abuja, Nigeria
ANA stated that it would not be responsible for delays, loss or charges arising from postal or courier services.
