Professional Uses of German Language in the Nigerian Banking Sector: A Study of Selected Banks in Abuja

This study investigates the professional uses of German language and the perceived value of German language proficiency among staff in selected commercial and international development banks in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. Germany's KfW Development Bank and other German financial institutions maintain active lending and technical assistance relationships with Nigerian financial institutions, and German-related transactions constitute a meaningful component of several banks' international portfolio activities. Despite this financial relationship, the extent to which German language skills are utilised or valued within Nigerian banking institutions has not been documented. The study employs a descriptive survey design, administering questionnaires to 100 banking professionals at five Abuja-based banks with documented German financial partnerships. The questionnaire assesses German language use frequency, professional domain of use, perceived value, and interest in training. Supplementary interviews with eight bank executives provide organisational perspectives. Findings reveal that German language use is concentrated in a small number of specialist roles, particularly in correspondent banking, development finance units, and international legal departments. The study also finds that awareness of the potential professional value of German language is limited among mid-level banking staff. Recommendations include the inclusion of professional German language modules in banking professional development programmes and the creation of internal language incentive schemes. Keywords: German language, banking sector, professional use, Abuja, development finance.