Application of Arabic Language Skills in Nigerian Diplomatic Service: A Professional Competency Assessment

Arabic is the official language of twenty-two member states of the Arab League and one of the six official languages of the United Nations, making Arabic language competency an increasingly valued professional asset for Nigerian diplomats serving in the Arab world and in multilateral institutions. This study assesses the Arabic language competency of Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel posted to Arabic-speaking countries, examining the level of proficiency achieved, the adequacy of pre-posting Arabic language training, and the impact of Arabic competence on diplomatic effectiveness. Using a purposive survey methodology, the research administers a professional competency questionnaire and Arabic language proficiency self-assessment instrument to 60 serving and former diplomatic personnel who have been posted to Arab League member states, supplemented by in-depth interviews with fifteen senior diplomats and two officials in the Ministry's training department. The study finds that the majority of diplomats rely on professional interpreters for Arabic-medium communications, reflecting systematically low Arabic proficiency despite the availability of some pre-posting language training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. The quality and intensity of existing language training programmes are found to be insufficient for building functional professional Arabic competence. Recommendations address pre-deployment Arabic immersion training and the establishment of an Arabic language proficiency requirement for certain diplomatic postings. Keywords: Arabic language, Nigerian diplomacy, professional competency, diplomatic service, language training.