By Crystal Ugoeze
Four Nigerian writers have been shortlisted for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, as the Commonwealth Foundation unveiled a 25-member shortlist drawn from 7,806 global entries.
The Nigerian writers—Dawn Immanuel, Hussani Abdulrahim, Ola W. Halim, and Oluwatoke Adejoye—are among 25 authors selected from 14 Commonwealth countries, highlighting Nigeria’s strong presence in this year’s competition.
According to the organisers, the 2026 shortlist reflects both diversity and growing competitiveness, with entries spanning themes such as migration, family relationships, war, identity, and resilience. The stories explore a wide range of human experiences across continents, featuring characters from different walks of life, including musicians, athletes, migrant workers, and even animals.
Chair of the judges, Louise Doughty, praised the quality of submissions, noting that the shortlisted writers demonstrated a deep understanding of the short story form and its ability to convey powerful narratives within a limited space.
Also reacting, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, Razmi Farook, commended the writers, describing storytelling as a vital tool for amplifying diverse voices and addressing pressing global issues.
Among the Nigerian entries, Dawn Immanuel’s “The God under the Bed” explores a young girl’s coming-of-age experience in a restrictive household, while Hussani Abdulrahim’s “Arewa Girls” examines the shared realities of Northern Nigerian women navigating cultural and societal expectations. Ola W. Halim’s “Shock Me I Shock You” delves into sibling relationships and family dynamics, and Oluwatoke Adejoye’s “New Things” is set against Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999.
The organisers announced that five regional winners will be revealed on May 13, with the overall winner to be declared in June. All shortlisted stories will be published on the Foundation’s online literary platform, with regional winners also featured in Granta magazine.
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards across the Commonwealth, aimed at promoting emerging voices and showcasing contemporary storytelling from across member countries.