NMMA opens entries for 2026 awards, sets focus on quality journalism
2026 NMMA entries open with renewed focus on credibility, impact, and media professionalism.
The Nigeria Media Merit Award has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, inviting journalists and media organisations across the country to submit works published or broadcast in 2025.
The announcement comes at a time when conversations around credibility, accuracy and professional standards continue to shape Nigeria’s media space, placing renewed attention on platforms that recognise quality journalism.
In a notice circulated to media houses, the organisers described the annual programme as “Africa’s foremost media excellence platform,” reaffirming their commitment to rewarding professionalism and impactful reporting.
“We remain committed to recognising excellence and strengthening professionalism across the media space,” the organisers said, adding that the awards are designed to “encourage impactful storytelling that serves the public good.”
Entries are open to practitioners across print, broadcast and digital media, including reporters, editors, photographers and columnists. Media organisations may submit on behalf of journalists, while members of the public can nominate broadcast entries through approved channels.
According to the organisers, all submissions must be original works produced within the 2025 calendar year, with strict emphasis on authenticity and verification.
“Only authentic and verifiable works will be considered,” the statement said. “We will not accept entries that do not meet the stipulated guidelines.”
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A wide range of categories has been opened, covering reporting in politics, business, education, health, environment, oil and gas, agriculture, human rights and defence, alongside special awards for editors, columnists, broadcasters and media organisations.
The organisers also stressed compliance with submission requirements, noting that each entry must include supporting documentation such as original copies of the work, a curriculum vitae and relevant identification materials. Electronic submissions must be properly labelled and delivered on flash drives, with entries clearly separated.
They warned that failure to meet the technical guidelines would result in automatic disqualification.
“Entries that do not meet the required format will not be considered,” the statement added.
Winners will receive the award’s “Golden Gong of Excellence,” alongside certificates and cash prizes, a recognition the organisers say continues to symbolise outstanding journalistic merit.
The call for entries will close at the end of May 2026, after which submissions will be reviewed at the NMMA secretariat.
At the previous edition of the awards, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, The Punch secured multiple top honours, including Newspaper of the Year, Editor of the Year and Editorial Writing of the Year, reinforcing its position among the country’s leading media organisations.
