Nigeria is not a French-speaking country, but it does have French as its second official language. This means that French is recognized and used in official government documents, institutions, and communications alongside English. The inclusion of French as an official language in Nigeria dates back to 2002 when the government adopted a language policy to promote bilingualism.
However, it is important to note that English remains the dominant language in Nigeria. It is widely spoken and understood by the majority of the population. English serves as the language of instruction in schools, the medium of communication in business and government, and the language used for official purposes.
The inclusion of French as an official language in Nigeria reflects the country’s historical ties with Francophone West Africa and its commitment to regional integration. Nigeria shares borders with several French-speaking countries such as Niger, Chad, and Benin, and is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which promotes cooperation among its member countries.
While French is not widely spoken by the average Nigerian, there are efforts to promote its learning and usage. French is taught in some schools as a second language, and there are institutions, such as the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry, Lagos State, dedicated to the teaching and promotion of the French language and culture.
In addition, Nigeria is a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), which brings together countries that share French as a common language. This membership allows Nigeria to participate in various cultural, educational, and economic activities organized by the OIF.
While Nigeria is not a French-speaking country in the sense that French is not widely spoken by the population, it does recognize French as its second official language. The inclusion of French reflects Nigeria’s commitment to bilingualism and its regional ties with Francophone countries.