Nigerian literature is having another moment and this time, it’s firmly on the global shortlist.
Four Nigerian writers have been named among the 25 shortlisted candidates for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, one of the most respected honors in international fiction. Administered by the Commonwealth Foundation, the prize celebrates the best unpublished short stories from across the Commonwealth and this year’s selection is as competitive as it gets.
From a staggering 7,806 entries submitted across 54 countries, just 25 writers from 14 nations made the final list. Among them, four voices from Nigeria each bringing a distinct narrative lens, yet collectively reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of contemporary storytelling.
The shortlisted Nigerian writers—Hussani Abdulrahim, Oluwatoke Adejoye, Dawn Immanuel, and Ola W. Halim, are all in their early thirties, representing a generation of writers redefining African narratives with depth, range, and global relevance.
Across the entire shortlist, 11 men and 14 women, aged between 25 and 68, were selected further highlighting the diversity of voices shaping contemporary fiction today. Notably, seven writers on the list are from Africa, signaling a strong regional presence.
The prize itself carries both prestige and opportunity. Regional winners representing Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific will be announced on May 13, with the overall winner revealed in late June. Each regional winner receives £2,500, while the overall winner is awarded £5,000. The winning stories will also be published by Granta online and in a special print collection by Paper + Ink.
But beyond the prize money and recognition, moments like this do something bigger—they map where the future of storytelling is coming from.
Meet the Nigerian Writers on the Shortlist
Hussani Abdulrahim – Arewa Girls
Based in Kano, Abdulrahim continues his steady rise in literary circles. A previous winner of the Writivism Prize and the Toyin Falola Prize, his work has appeared in publications like Boston Review and Evergreen Review. His shortlisting here builds on an already impressive trajectory.
Dawn Immanuel – The God Under the Bed
A writer and editor based in Ibadan, Immanuel brings a fresh voice to the list with her debut short story. She is also the founder of Patchwork Quilt, a book production studio, and is driven by a curiosity for stories that center bold, often unheard perspectives.
Ola W. Halim – Shock Me I Shock You
No stranger to literary recognition, Halim returns to the Commonwealth shortlist after his 2021 nod. His work has been featured in SmokeLong Quarterly and Fractured Lit, with nominations for both the Pushcart Prize and the Caine Prize—marking him as one to watch.
Oluwatoke Adejoye – New Things
Currently based in Canada, Adejoye blends her background in law, film, and publishing into her storytelling. A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s MFA program, her work has appeared in Transition Magazine and The New Quarterly.
Find the full list of the shortlisted writers here.