The Abuja Narrative Initiative (TANI), under the Chairmanship of Udenta O. Udenta , invites writers to submit short stories for The Abuja Narratives — a curated anthology exploring the many layers of Nigeria’s capital city.
This initiative is a cultural and literary platform dedicated to documenting, interrogating, and amplifying the lived realities, histories, and evolving identities of Abuja.
Conceived as a place-based literary archive, the anthology positions Abuja not merely as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing force within narrative fiction.
THEME : “Abuja: Seen, Unseen, Remembered, Imagined.”
We invite stories that explore Abuja as a fully embodied city, where place shapes character, conflict, memory, and imagination.
CORE CREATIVE REQUIREMENT
All submissions must ensure that:
* Abuja is vividly present in setting and atmosphere
* The city actively influences plot, character, and narrative direction
* Readers can experience Abuja through its geography, institutions, and social rhythms
* The city functions as a living narrative force, not a replaceable backdrop
* The story reflects a grounded or imaginatively consistent sense of Abuja
SUBMISSION TIMELINE
Call Opens:
11 May 2026
Submission Deadline:
30 July 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
WHO CAN SUBMIT
* Open to all writers who have experienced Abuja, regardless of their current residence or location
* Writers within and outside Nigeria, including those in the diaspora, are welcome
* Both emerging and established writers are encouraged to submit
* Writers do not need to reside in Abuja, but submissions must demonstrate a strong and convincing sense of the city
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
* One (1) short story per writer
* Word count: 1,000–5,000 words
(Exceptional shorter stories may be considered if they demonstrate strong literary merit.)
* Submissions must be original and unpublished
* Entries must not be under consideration elsewhere
* Previously published works will not be accepted
FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS
* Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
* Font: Times New Roman
* Font Size: 12 pt
* Line Spacing: Double-spaced
HOW TO SUBMIT
Send your submission to:
taniabujaculture@gmail.com
Cc: salamatu@fahimta.ng
Subject Line Format:
Short Story Submission – [Title] – [Full Name]
INCLUDE IN YOUR EMAIL
* A short author bio (100–150 words)
* Contact details (email address and phone number)
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Tell Abuja as only you have known, imagined, remembered, or survived it.
