Each year, Nigerian authors enrich global literature with their innovative works, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a wellspring of dynamic and compelling literary talent. Among these creators, poets stand out as essential contributors, weaving narratives that delve into themes of identity, heritage, and the cadence of daily existence.
Whether through individual poems, chapbooks, or full collections, Nigerian poets adeptly portray the multifaceted nature of life in Nigeria while addressing universal motifs that resonate worldwide. This year continues that tradition, with many Nigerian poets, particularly those living abroad, unveiling new works that reflect both personal journeys and shared cultural experiences.
Below is a curated selection of notable Nigerian poetry collections published this year.
Adedayo Agarau: The Years of Blood
The Years of Blood marks the debut poetry collection of Adedayo Agarau, released by Fordham University Press. To purchase a copy, visit this link.
Saddiq Dzukogi: Bakandamiya
Bakandamiya is the sophomore collection from Saddiq Dzukogi, whose first book, Your Crib, My Qibla, received widespread critical praise. This new work is published by the University of Nebraska Press. Order your copy here.
Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto: The Naming
Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto’s poetry has been featured in esteemed publications such as Isele Magazine, Poetry Ireland Review, Oxford Poetry, and Massachusetts Review, among others. His latest collection, The Naming, is available through the University of Nebraska Press. Secure your copy here.
Hussain Ahmed: Crossroad Mirror
Hussain Ahmed’s third poetry collection, Crossroad Mirror, is published by Northwestern University Press. You can purchase it here.
DM Aderibigbe: 82nd Division
DM Aderibigbe, acclaimed for his award-winning debut How the End First Showed, has garnered numerous fellowships and residencies. His newest collection, 82nd Division, is now available. Order your copy here.
Gbenga Adesina: Death Does Not End at the Sea
Gbenga Adesina’s Death Does Not End at the Sea earned the 2024 Raz-Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Award and was longlisted for the 2025 National Book Awards in Poetry. Purchase your copy here.
Othuke Umukoro: Fenestration (2025)
Othuke Umukoro’s Fenestration was honored with the 2024 X.J. Kennedy Poetry Prize, selected by Dianna Suiss. You can find it available for purchase here.
Chisom Okafor: Winged Witnesses
Published by the University of Nebraska Press, Chisom Okafor’s Winged Witnesses is a compelling addition to contemporary Nigerian poetry. Order your copy here.
Itiola Jones: Blood Mercy
Itiola Jones’s Blood Mercy was selected by Nicole Sealey as the winner of the 2025 APR/Honickman First Book Prize. You can purchase it here.
Tolu Oloruntoba: Unravel
Tolu Oloruntoba, acclaimed for his previous collections The Junta of Happenstance-winner of the Canadian Griffin Poetry Prize and Governor General’s Literary Award-and Each One a Furnace, a finalist for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize, presents his latest work, Unravel. Get your copy here.
Jide Salawu: Contraband Bodies
Jide Salawu, a scholar and author of Preface for Leaving Homeland published by the African Poetry Book Fund, has released Contraband Bodies through NeWest Press. Purchase it here.
Jumoke Verissimo: Circumtrauma
Toronto-based poet and novelist Jumoke Verissimo is known for her acclaimed collections I Am Memory and The Birth of Illusion, both recognized in Nigeria and nominated for prestigious awards including the Nigerian Prize for Literature. Her novel A Small Silence has also received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, winning the Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize. Her latest poetry collection, Circumtrauma, is available for purchase here.
Rasaq Malik: The Origin of Wounds
Rasaq Malik won the 2024 Anhinga Prize for Poetry for his manuscript The Origin of Wounds, which is set to be published in December 2025.
Ifeoluwa Ayàndélé: My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body
Ifeoluwa Ayàndélé received the 2024 Moon City Poetry Award for his collection My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body, which is scheduled for publication this year.
While this compilation highlights many significant Nigerian poetry releases, it may not encompass every project launched or forthcoming this year. If you know of other noteworthy poetry collections, please feel free to share them with us.
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