Arabic Language and Legal Practice in Sharia Courts: Professional Competency of Court Officials in Niger State

The Sharia courts established in northern Nigeria following the adoption of Sharia law in twelve states between 1999 and 2002 require court officials who possess both Islamic jurisprudential knowledge and functional Arabic language competence to handle classical Arabic legal texts, documentation, and interlocution with senior scholars. This study assesses the Arabic language professional competency of Sharia court officials in Niger State, examining the proficiency levels and specific linguistic competencies needed for effective court function across roles including judges, court clerks, and official translators. Using a professional competency assessment methodology, the research administers a specialised Arabic legal language proficiency test and a role-specific competency questionnaire to 80 Sharia court officials across Niger State's Sharia court system in Minna, Bida, and Lapai. In-depth interviews with ten presiding Sharia judges and five state attorneys-general staff provide contextual and normative data on Arabic language expectations within the court system. The study finds that while most judges demonstrate adequate receptive competency in Classical Arabic fiqh texts, productive Arabic proficiency, particularly in formal Arabic legal writing and verbal Arabic judicial discourse, is significantly below required standards across all court tiers. Recommendations include mandatory Arabic proficiency credentialling for court appointments and structured in-service Arabic legal language training. Keywords: Arabic legal language, Sharia courts, professional competency, Niger State, Islamic jurisprudence.