Indigenous Nigerian languages as instruments for sustainable development

Abstract

Nigeria is a highly pluralistic nation with an extremely diverse linguistic landscape. While this diversity poses challenges for the documentation, development, and use of indigenous languages, threatening their long-term viability, it also offers significant advantages. Linguistic diversity shapes social, economic, environmental, educational, spiritual, and cultural life, providing a holistic foundation for sustainable development. It enables intergenerational knowledge transfer, supports the application of information and communication technologies, and enhances the use of scientific and technological innovations for national growth. Recognising this, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently introduced a National Language Policy (NLP) to regulate and promote the use of Nigerian languages. This paper examines the role of linguistic diversity in sustainable development and evaluates how the NLP can be implemented to strengthen documentation, development, and utilisation of Nigerian languages across all domains, thereby securing their viability as tools for national progress.