National Development and Multilingualism in Nigeria

Abstract

Multilingualism and national development in Nigeria highlight that Nigeria’s linguistic diversity is both a national resource and a potential source of conflict. While some sources argue that multilingualism can enhance literacy, economic growth and cultural cohesion when supported by strategic language planning, others point to the potential for exclusion and the role of English as a unifying official language. This paper ex-rays the indices of national development, language planning and the implications of language policy and planning to national development. It suggests a need for inclusive language policies that leverage linguistic diversity for equitable socio-economic transformation and national unity.