Communique issued at the end of the 2026 ANA NEC Meeting with Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries

 COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2026 ANA NEC MEETING WITH CHAPTER CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES HELD ON FRIDAY, 27TH MARCH, 2026 AT THE FEMI OSOFISAN NATIONAL SECRETARIAT, MAMMAN VATSA WRITERS’ VILLAGE, MAITAMA EXTENSION, MPAPE, ABUJA

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), in conjunction with Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries from across the country, held a strategic meeting on Friday, 27th March, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Femi Osofisan National Secretariat, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Maitama Extension, Mpape, Abuja. The meeting deliberated on critical matters affecting the Association, the Nigerian literary community, and the broader national environment.

After extensive deliberations, the meeting issued the following communiqué:

1. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Association of Nigerian Authors to its founding ideals of promoting Nigerian literature, encouraging creative expression, nurturing emerging writers, and sustaining intellectual engagement in national development. 

2. The NEC commended state chapters for sustaining vibrant literary activities across the country through regular readings, workshops, and literary engagements, despite prevailing economic challenges. 

3. The Council noted with satisfaction the restoration of peace and unity in several ANA chapters following reconciliation efforts by the National Executive Council. Chapters such as Akwa Ibom, Abuja (FCT), Edo, Enugu, Niger, and Bayelsa were specifically acknowledged for resolving internal differences and strengthening chapter cohesion. 

4. The meeting also welcomed the return of Lagos, Plateau, and Ekiti Chapters to full participation in the affairs of the Association and commended all members who worked tirelessly to preserve the unity and stability of ANA during challenging periods. 

5. NEC appreciated the developmental initiatives introduced by the Immediate Past President, Mr. Camillus Ukah, particularly the progress made on the ANA Hotel and Apartments Project. The Council noted that the project represents a major step towards achieving long-term financial sustainability for the Association. 

6. The Council acknowledged the progress made on the ANA land development and reiterated its confidence in the ongoing partnership with the project developer, expressing optimism that the project will soon begin to yield financial returns for the Association. 

7. NEC reviewed the Yusuf Ali Awareness Grant initiative and commended the chapters that successfully executed projects and submitted reports on the grant. The Council reiterated that accountability remains a fundamental requirement for participation in future grants. 

8. The meeting emphasized the importance of transparency and financial discipline within the Association and urged all chapters to maintain functional bank accounts to facilitate proper financial management and accountability. 

9. NEC reaffirmed the need for strict adherence to democratic principles in the conduct of state chapter elections and stressed that leadership in the Association must remain rotational, transparent, and in accordance with the constitution of ANA. 

10. The Council noted the progress made on the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency Programme and encouraged the National Secretariat to continue strengthening the initiative as a platform for nurturing literary creativity and international engagement. 

11. NEC received updates on preparations for the 2026 ANA International Convention and called on all chapters to actively mobilize their members for robust participation in the convention. 

12. The meeting also received updates on major ANA projects and programmes including the Prof. Femi Osofisan at 80 celebration, the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature, REPGRONIG, and other literary initiatives aimed at strengthening the Nigerian literary ecosystem. 

13. NEC reiterated the importance of the ongoing ANA Membership Revalidation Exercise and encouraged all members nationwide to participate in the process in order to strengthen the institutional structure of the Association. 

14. The Council expressed concern about the increasing challenges confronting writers and the publishing industry in Nigeria, particularly rising production costs, limited access to publishing infrastructure, and the declining reading culture among young people. 

15. The meeting called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and relevant cultural institutions to prioritize the development of the literary and creative sectors as critical components of national development and cultural preservation. 

16. NEC urged government at all levels to invest more in libraries, literary festivals, book development initiatives, and educational programmes that encourage reading and creative writing among Nigerian youths. 

17. The Association also expressed deep concern about the general socio-economic situation in the country, including rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and the increasing cost of living, which continue to affect citizens and creative practitioners across the nation. 

18. The Council called on government to intensify efforts towards improving national security, stabilizing the economy, and creating an enabling environment for intellectual and creative pursuits to thrive. 

19. The meeting further urged policymakers to recognize writers and artists as important voices in national discourse and to involve them more actively in conversations about nation-building, cultural policy, and social transformation. 

20. NEC advised all state chapters to exercise caution and prudence in their dealings with individuals whose actions have previously led to litigation against the Association, noting that such circumstances have the potential to undermine the unity, stability, and collective progress of ANA. 

21. NEC reaffirmed that literature remains a powerful tool for social reflection, national healing, and democratic development, and pledged that the Association of Nigerian Authors will continue to play its historic role in shaping intellectual discourse in Nigeria. 

22. Finally, the Council expressed appreciation to all NEC members, Chapter Chairmen, and Secretaries who attended the meeting and commended the leadership of the Association for sustaining unity, stability, and progressive development within ANA. 

Signed

Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi

President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

Dame Joan Oji, PhD

General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)