Nestlé Nigeria has opened entries for the 2026 Media Awards, inviting journalists to submit published work across nine categories before the November 11 deadline.
The Nestlé Media Awards 2026 are now open for entries, with Nestlé Nigeria inviting journalists and media professionals across the country to submit impactful published stories for the sixth edition of the annual competition.
Entries opened on Wednesday, October 14, and close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The awards recognise journalism that brings important issues into public focus, deepens public understanding and highlights solutions to challenges affecting people, communities and businesses.
The Nestlé Media Awards 2026 will recognise outstanding reporting across nine categories covering nutrition, environmental sustainability, agriculture, finance, empowerment, community development, business reporting and photojournalism. Winners are scheduled to be announced at a ceremony in Lagos on Sunday, December 13, 2026.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026 Feature Nine Categories
The competition features the following award categories:
- Nutrition and Affordable Food Solutions
- Environmental Sustainability
- Youth Empowerment and Development
- Women Empowerment
- Community Development
- Finance
- Agriculture
- Business and Economy Reporting
- Photojournalism Award
Since its inception, the awards have recognised journalism aligned with Nestlé Nigeria’s Creating Shared Value priorities, including nutrition, agriculture, environmental sustainability, youth and women empowerment, and community development.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026 Expand Opportunities for Business Journalists
The introduction of the Business and Economy Reporting category in 2025 broadened the competition to include journalism examining Nigeria’s wider business environment.
Entries in this category may explore entrepreneurship, economic policy, access to finance, infrastructure, competitiveness, and challenges and opportunities affecting small and large enterprises.
Unlike the other categories, Business and Economy Reporting entries do not have to focus on Nestlé. This allows journalists to investigate wider economic issues and report on solutions that could help create a more enabling environment for Nigerian businesses.
For other categories, submissions must focus on Nestlé Nigeria or Nestlé’s global activities and demonstrate a clear connection to the relevant award theme.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026: Who Is Eligible to Enter?
The competition is open to journalists and media professionals working across print, broadcast and digital platforms in Nigeria.
Eligible work must have been published between November 1, 2025, and October 30, 2026.
Each submission must include:
- A link or copy of the published work.
- A profile of the entrant or media organisation containing at least 100 words.
- A 100-word description of the entry.
Each published work may be submitted in only one category, while participants may submit one entry per category.
Journalists planning to enter the Nestlé Media Awards 2026 should confirm that their selected work falls within the eligible publication period and meets the requirements for the category chosen.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026: How Entries Will Be Judged
An independent panel of experienced media and industry professionals will assess submissions.
The stated assessment criteria include accuracy and balance, depth, originality, relevance and storytelling quality.
Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, said the awards seek to recognise the rigour, integrity and thoughtful reporting that distinguish exceptional journalism.
She emphasised that journalistic excellence requires more than a compelling story, highlighting accuracy, depth, balanced perspectives and commitment to the public interest as essential qualities.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026: Key Dates and Submission Deadline
Journalists interested in participating should note the following dates:
- Entries opened: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Submission deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Eligible publication period: November 1, 2025, to October 30, 2026
- Awards ceremony: Sunday, December 13, 2026, in Lagos
Entries must be submitted through the official 2026 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards Entry Form. The form’s direct URL has not been independently verified for this report. Entrants should obtain it through Nestlé’s official website or its verified Nigeria communications channels.
Nestlé Media Awards 2026 Promote Journalism Excellence
The awards have developed into a platform for recognising reporting on issues affecting Nigerians, from nutrition and sustainable livelihoods to community development and the business environment.
The addition of Business and Economy Reporting in 2025 expanded the programme’s scope by creating room for journalism on Nigeria’s wider economic realities, including entrepreneurship, policy and business growth. Nestlé’s published annual report also records the introduction of this category in the previous edition.
The Nestlé Media Awards 2026 provide journalists with an opportunity to showcase work that informs audiences, highlights solutions and contributes to public discussion on social and economic development.
Interested media professionals are encouraged to review the rules, prepare the required supporting documents and submit their entries before the November 11 deadline.
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