Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially relaunched its Language Bureau, marking a strategic step toward enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness in an increasingly interconnected and multilingual world.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, described the relaunch as more than a ceremonial exercise, emphasising its significance as a forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement.
According to him, language remains a critical tool in international relations, serving as a bridge that fosters cultural understanding, builds trust, and ensures precision in communication.
He noted that the revitalised bureau would play a pivotal role in supporting Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives by providing interpretation, translation, and language training services.
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With evolving global dynamics and technological advancements, Ahmed stressed the need to reposition the bureau to meet contemporary diplomatic demands.
“The relaunch signifies a renewed commitment to excellence in diplomatic communication,” he said, noting that the bureau would serve as a hub for developing linguistic capacity among Foreign Service officers.
This, he explained, would ensure that Nigeria is effectively represented across diverse linguistic and cultural environments, from bilateral engagements to multilateral negotiations.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of integrating modern technology into the bureau’s operations, including the use of translation software and virtual learning platforms to improve efficiency and sustainability.
He called on stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners, to support the initiative.
In his remarks, Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters, Alhaji Jamil Abiola, described the relaunch as a personal milestone and a fulfilment of a long-held vision.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for recognising the importance of language in governance and diplomacy, noting that the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aligns with the objectives of the bureau.
Abiola explained that the Language Bureau had been inactive for several years before efforts were made to revive it. He stressed that its re-establishment would address issues of misinformation and misrepresentation about Nigeria on the global stage.
“Many global misunderstandings stem from poor communication. This bureau will bring together the best minds to ensure professionalism in translation and engagement, while also helping Nigeria tell its own story,” he said.
He further outlined plans for the bureau to collaborate with the Ministry of Trade and Investment to promote Nigeria’s economic potential, noting that improved communication would boost trade, attract investment, and enhance the country’s global image.
Beyond foreign languages, Abiola emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous Nigerian languages. He encouraged citizens to learn languages beyond their ethnic backgrounds as a way of fostering unity and preventing linguistic extinction.
