The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the shortlist for the sixth edition of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature, ahead of its 45th International Convention.
Three works made the cut: The Bako of Zereshe by Dexter Loko, No Place Like Home by Henry Akubuiro, and Chikoba by Oyekitiachi Uzozie Nmezi.
In a joint statement, ANA President Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi and Acting General Secretary Wole Adedoyin said the shortlist followed the judges’ assessment of the submitted works. They added that the announcement forms part of the build-up to the convention.
Established in 2021, the prize recognises excellence in Nigerian fiction. Past winners are Obinna Ndenwe (Colours of Hatred, 2021), Sylva Nze Ifedigbo (Believers and Hustlers, 2022), Nikė Campbell (Saro, 2023), Ifeoma Chinwuba (Sons of the East, 2024) and Ndidi Chiazor Enenmor (See Morocco, See Spain, 2025).
ANA also thanked United Nigeria Airlines for committing ₦10 million over the 2026–2030 period towards prize money and administration. The association said the support would sustain the prize and help promote Nigerian literary excellence.
The winner will receive ₦1 million, a plaque and a certificate, and is expected to be announced during activities around the convention. ANA congratulated the shortlisted authors and thanked the judges for their work.