CHINUA ACHEBE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: ANA UNVEILS PAST WINNERS, CALLS FOR 2026 ENTRIES_ BY ANA MEDIA TEAM

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has unveiled the past winners of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature and called for entries for the 2026 edition of the prestigious annual literary prize. 

The announcement follows the dissolution of the committee previously responsible for the administration of the prize and reflects ANA's renewed commitment to strengthening the transparency, continuity and integrity of the award.

In a joint statement issued by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin, the Association invited eligible Nigerian writers at home and abroad to participate in the 2026 competition. Established in 2021, the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature recognises excellence and outstanding achievement in Nigerian fiction and celebrates works that make significant contributions to the country's literary heritage.

ANA has confirmed the following as past winners of the prize: 2021 – Obinna Ndenwe, Colours of Hatred; 2022 – Sylva Nze Ifedigbo, Believers and Hustlers; 2023 – Nikę Campbell, Saro; 2024 – Ifeoma Chinwuba, Sons of the East; and 2025 – Ndidi Chiazor Enenmor, See Morocco, See Spain. The Association expressed its appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) for its sponsorship commitment of ₦20 million towards prize money and administrative costs for the 2026–2036 period.

The 2026 competition is open to published novels written by Nigerian authors and published in 2025 or 2026. Manuscripts are not eligible, there is no entry fee, and each author may submit only one title. Works previously entered for the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature are also ineligible. Authors or publishers are required to submit 10 copies of the published novel, accompanied by proof of Nigerian citizenship, a covering letter stating the prize being entered for, the author's contact details, and the publisher's details, publication year and ISBN.

According to ANA, the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature remains an important platform for recognising literary excellence and encouraging Nigerian writers to contribute meaningfully to the nation's literary development. “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,” the Association stated.

Entries will be judged on literary quality, originality, creativity, language, narrative craft, characterisation and thematic depth. All submissions must be original and comply with Nigerian copyright laws, with authors and publishers responsible for any copyright infringement arising from their entries. The prize is not open to members of ANA's Board of Trustees (BOT), National Executive Council (NEC), judging panel, United Nigeria Airlines staff, or their immediate family members.

Members of the judging panel are required to disclose and recuse themselves from entries involving a conflict of interest, including works they have edited, published or for which they have provided supporting material. ANA also reserves the right to verify information supplied by entrants and to disqualify any entry that fails to meet the stated requirements. Submitted copies of books will not be returned.

The winner of the 2026 Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature will receive ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) and a plaque/certificate. 

The prize may be deferred where the judges determine that there is no sufficiently deserving entry or where no entry is received. Where only one eligible entry is submitted, the prize may nevertheless be awarded if the judges consider the work deserving, while the decision of the judges remains final.

The deadline for submission of entries is 15 September 2026, with the shortlist scheduled for 15 October 2026. 

The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner during the ANA International Annual Convention, scheduled to take place 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 will not be responsible for delays, loss or charges arising from postal or courier services.

The Association of Nigerian Authors therefore calls on eligible Nigerian authors and publishers at home and abroad to submit outstanding works of fiction for consideration for the 2026 Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature. 

ANA said the continued success of the prize would contribute to the recognition of Nigerian literary excellence nationally and internationally while sustaining the legacy of one of Africa's most influential writers, Chinua Achebe.

© ANA MEDIA TEAM