The NLNG in partnership with The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) hosted the first elevenpoets longlisted for the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature at the annual CORA Book Party in Lagos.
The book party, which followed the announcement of the 2026 longlist, provided a public platform for the selected poets to present their works, read selected pieces, and engage with readers, critics, journalists, publishers, students, and other members of the literary community. It featured readings, conversations, and discussions around the works selected for the year’s poetry cycle among other cultural and literary festivities.
The longlisted works were selected by the panel of judges appointed for the 2026 edition of the Prize from 223 entries received, following the call for entries announced in February and the close of submissions for the poetry cycle. The longlist marks a key stage in the adjudication process, ahead of the shortlist and the possible announcement of the winner later in the year.
Speaking at the event, Sophia Horsfall, general manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, said that the book party emphasised the importance of sustaining platforms that move literature beyond the page and into public consciousness.
