Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) National Essay Competition 2026: How to Apply and win ₦10M prize
NRS National Essay Competition 2026 opens nationwide
The Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) has officially announced the commencement of the 2026 National Essay Competition (NEC), inviting eligible undergraduate students across Nigeria to participate in what has become one of the country’s most intellectually competitive academic contests.
Now in its fourth season, the NRS National Essay Competition is designed to promote critical thinking, policy awareness, and informed public discourse among young Nigerians. The competition comes with a total prize pool of ₦10 million, alongside awards and national recognition for outstanding participants.
Entries are currently open, with a submission deadline of February 28, 2026.
About the NRS National Essay Competition
The National Essay Competition (NEC) is an annual academic initiative organized by the Nigerian Revenue Service to engage young Nigerians in conversations around public finance, taxation, accountability, and national development.
According to NRS, the competition seeks to identify bright minds capable of offering practical, policy-oriented solutions to real economic challenges facing Nigeria. Over the years, the competition has attracted thousands of entries nationwide and has become a respected platform for student intellectual expression.
Essay Topic for NEC Season 4
Participants in the 2026 NRS National Essay Competition are required to write on the following topic:
“Analyze the challenges faced by the Nigerian Revenue Service in the implementation of the new tax laws and propose practical solutions to address them.”
The topic focuses on taxation and governance, encouraging participants to examine Nigeria’s evolving tax framework, identify systemic challenges, and propose realistic, actionable reforms.
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Who Can Apply for the NRS Essay Competition 2026
To be eligible for the Nigerian Revenue Service National Essay Competition 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be Nigerian citizens
- Must be between 20 and 35 years old
- Must submit an original, unpublished essay
- Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
The competition is open to undergraduate students from all disciplines, provided the submission meets the required academic and analytical standards.
Prizes and Rewards Worth ₦10 Million
Winners of the NRS National Essay Competition 2026 will receive the following cash prizes:
- First Prize: ₦5,000,000
- Second Prize: ₦3,000,000
- Third Prize: ₦2,000,000
In addition to cash rewards, selected participants will receive certificates and national recognition, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.
Essay Submission Guidelines
Applicants must strictly adhere to the official submission guidelines outlined by the Nigerian Revenue Service:
- Essay must be original, analytical, and well-researched
- Proper referencing and citation are mandatory
- Essay must be typed using:
- Times New Roman font
- Font size 12
- Double spacing
- Submission must be in PDF format
Failure to comply with these guidelines may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply for NRS National Essay Competition 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their entries online by clicking the official application link provided by the organizers.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026. Applicants are advised to submit early and ensure all requirements are met before the deadline.
Why the NRS Essay Competition Matters
Beyond the financial rewards, the NRS National Essay Competition offers participants an opportunity to:
- Develop advanced research and policy analysis skills
- Engage with real national economic challenges
- Gain visibility among policymakers and academic stakeholders
- Strengthen their CVs for scholarships, fellowships, and postgraduate opportunities
FAQ
What is the Nigerian Revenue Service National Essay Competition?
It is an annual academic competition organized by NRS to promote critical thinking on taxation, governance, and national development among Nigerian youths.
Who is eligible to apply for the NRS Essay Competition 2026?
Nigerian citizens aged 20–35 years who can submit an original analytical essay.
What is the essay topic for the 2026 competition?
Participants must analyze challenges in implementing Nigeria’s new tax laws and propose practical solutions.
How much is the prize money for the Nigerian Revenue Service National Essay Competition?
A total of ₦10 million, with ₦5m for first place, ₦3m for second, and ₦2m for third.
Is the competition open to students with disabilities?
Yes. Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What is the deadline for submission?
The deadline is February 28, 2026.
What format should the essay be submitted in?
The essay must be submitted in PDF format, typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-spaced.