Written by The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has officially opened entries for the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prizes, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating excellence in science, innovation, literature, and the creative arts.
In a statement, NLNG said the 2026 cycle will focus on Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation; Poetry for The Nigeria Prize for Literature; and Documentary Filmmaking for the newly introduced Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts.
NLNG’s Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, described the prizes as the country’s premier platform for recognising outstanding contributions to knowledge, creativity, and national development.
The Science and Innovation Prize, valued at $100,000, retains the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Technologies for Development”, following a “no winner” verdict in 2025. Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Science and Innovation Prize, called on innovators worldwide to submit practical, scalable, and deployable solutions capable of improving systems, efficiency, and decision-making in Nigeria’s key sectors.
Similarly, the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature invites poets in Nigeria and the diaspora to submit collections published from 2023 onwards, recognising poetry’s enduring role in reflecting society, preserving memory, and articulating complex experiences. Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chair of the Advisory Board for Literature and Creative Arts, emphasised that the prize continues NLNG’s long-standing tradition of celebrating literary excellence.
The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, debuting in 2026, will award $20,000 to emerging Nigerian documentary filmmakers aged 18 to 35. The theme, “Identity”, challenges participants to explore individual, communal, and cultural identities while reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria through creativity, storytelling, and visual excellence.
Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, noted that the 2026 themes reflect the realities of a world shaped by digital intelligence and creative expression, reaffirming NLNG’s dedication to nurturing innovative and socially impactful talent.
Entries are now open for all categories, offering Nigerian innovators, writers, and creatives a platform to translate their ideas into meaningful contributions to the country’s development.