German Language in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry: Professional Communication Challenges and Solutions

This study examines the professional German language communication challenges faced by personnel in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, with attention to companies that source active pharmaceutical ingredients, equipment, and technical expertise from German-speaking manufacturers. Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector is heavily dependent on imported inputs, with a significant proportion sourced from German companies. The study focuses on pharmaceutical firms located in Onitsha, Anambra State, South East Nigeria, and Lagos, South West Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design is employed, combining structured questionnaires administered to 60 pharmaceutical managers, procurement officers, and regulatory affairs specialists with qualitative interviews with ten senior executives. Data capture the frequency of German language encounters, nature of communication challenges, costs attributable to language barriers, and existing language management strategies. Findings reveal that German language barriers lead to procurement delays, misinterpretation of technical specifications, and difficulties in navigating German regulatory documentation during product registration processes. Companies address these challenges through external translation services and the retention of a small number of German-speaking staff, but these solutions are reported as costly and inconsistent. The study recommends the development of a pharmaceutical German language training curriculum for industry professionals. Keywords: German language, pharmaceutical industry, professional communication, Onitsha, procurement.