Nigeria LNG Limited has renewed its support for the country’s literary community by hosting the 11 poets longlisted for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature at the annual CORA Book Party in Lagos.

The selected works emerged from 223 entries submitted for this year’s poetry category. The event brought the writers together with readers, critics, publishers, journalists and students for readings and discussions ahead of the shortlist and final announcement in October.

NLNG General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development Sophia Horsfall said the prize was created not only to reward excellent writing but also to strengthen reading culture, critical engagement and creative expression.

CORA Secretary General Toyin Akinosho said the Book Party gives longlisted authors a rare opportunity to discuss their works directly with the reading public before the winner is chosen.

Now in its 22nd year, the Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates among prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.