The Abuja Narrative Initiative Invites Writers To Share Experiences Of Nigeria’s Capital
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LAGOS – The Abuja Narrative Initiative (TANI) has called on writers from Nigeria and across the world to submit short stories that capture the essence, memories and realities of life in Abuja for a forthcoming anthology titled ‘The Abuja Narratives.’
Chaired by Udenta O. Udenta, TANI is a cultural and literary platform committed to documenting, examining and amplifying the lived experiences, histories and evolving identities of Nigeria’s capital city through storytelling.
With an estimated population of over 4.39 million people, Abuja remains one of Nigeria’s most diverse cities, attracting residents from different parts of the country as well as foreigners. Beyond its status as the nation’s seat of power, the city is known for its unique rhythms, social life, cultures and contrasting experiences.
Through the anthology, TANI seeks to preserve these experiences by creating what it describes as a place-based literary archive, where Abuja is portrayed not merely as a setting but as a living force that shapes human experiences and narratives.
The theme for the anthology is: ‘Abuja: Seen, Unseen, Remembered, Imagined.’
According to the organisers, stories submitted must present Abuja as a fully embodied city where place influences character, conflict, memory and imagination. The city should be vividly reflected through its geography, institutions and social rhythms, functioning as an active force within the narrative rather than a replaceable backdrop. Writers are also expected to portray a grounded or imaginatively consistent sense of Abuja.
The submission window opened on May 11, 2026, and entries will be accepted until July 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. West Africa Time.
The open call is available to all writers who have experienced Abuja, irrespective of where they currently reside. Writers within Nigeria and in the diaspora are encouraged to participate, while both emerging and established authors are welcome to submit their works. However, submissions must demonstrate a convincing understanding of the city.
Each writer is allowed to submit only one short story with a word count ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 words. Exceptional shorter stories may also be considered if they display outstanding literary quality.
The organisers stressed that all entries must be original and unpublished. Stories currently under consideration elsewhere, as well as previously published works, will not be accepted.
Submissions should be prepared in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx), typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced.
Interested writers are required to send their entries to [email protected], while copying salamatu@ fahimta.ng. The subject line should read: “Short Story Submission – [Title] – [Full Name].”
