Language Rights and Language Policy/Practices in Multilingual Nigeria

Preoccupation with language rights in monolingual and multilingual societies is not unconnected with some of the effects of migration and language issues in multilingual communities. However, a lingering question is whether nations who are signatories to international declarations on language rights are committed to making good their promises by respecting language rights of people in their domains. This paper examined language policies and practices in multilingual Nigeria in light of some of the language rights declarations that are purported to protect people's rights. We reviewed and critiqued the available Nigeria's language policies enshrined in its official documents vis-a-vis language practices in the country. The highlights of our review and critique revealed that while some measures that protect individuals' and groups' language rights appear to be in place, there are lingering gaps to be filled. Thus, this paper calls for pragmatic steps to fill the existing gaps between the language policy and practices and language rights of individuals and groups.