Five documentary films have emerged as finalists for the inaugural Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts (NPCA) on August 25, 2026, following a rigorous judging process, narrowing the field from the 11 nominees unveiled earlier and moving their creators one step closer to becoming the Prize’s first winner.
According to a press release signed by Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, NLNG, the five shortlisted documentaries are: Beyond Tarkwa Bay by Peter Oghenetega Oke; Mara Mania by Feranmi Abiola; No Food for Lazy Man by Ummi Bukar; Okrika by Abraham Ayodele Aiwuyuse; and Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women by Jessica Chinyere.
The five works emerged from the inaugural edition of the Prize, which attracted 98 submissions from young Nigerian creatives responding to the theme, “Identity.” The theme invited filmmakers to explore Nigeria, its people, communities, cultures and the evolving sense of what it means to be Nigerian.
Their selection marks another significant stage in the journey of the maiden Prize, as the filmmakers move from the initial pool of entries through the 11-nominee stage to the final shortlist.
The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was established in 2025 to identify, recognise and promote outstanding creative works by young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 years. The US$20,000 Prize provides a platform for emerging documentary filmmakers to tell original Nigerian stories and gain national and international recognition for their work.
