Insecurity and Lack of Funds Affect Bible Translation in Nigeria

Insecurity and lack of funds are making it hard to translate the Bible and develop local languages in Nigeria. The Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) shared this information.

Patience Toma, the Executive Director of the NBTT, spoke about these issues in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday during their 50th anniversary celebration.

She said these challenges threaten efforts to save minority languages and provide written materials for their speakers.

Toma explained that insecurity has interrupted translation projects in rural areas. It has also forced many people to leave their homes, with some seeking shelter in internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps.

She mentioned that some Bible translators in rural areas have been killed, but the organization does not have exact numbers of those casualties.

Toma urged the federal government to step up security in rural areas to protect language workers and allow them to continue their important work.

Apart from insecurity, she pointed out that lack of funding and a shortage of translators, consultants, and linguists are major hurdles for Bible translation and language development in the country.

She stated that around 95 percent of the resources for Bible translation in Nigeria come from abroad, mainly from Western countries. This raises worries about how sustainable these efforts are without stronger local support.

Toma called on Nigerians, churches, and local groups to take more responsibility for funding translation projects and safeguarding local languages.

"We need Nigerians, churches, and local institutions to show greater interest in supporting Bible translation. It is important that we take responsibility for the languages and communities that we serve," she said.

Toma noted that Nigeria has over 600 minority languages, many of which still need Bible translation and further language development.

The NBTT has worked to create writing systems for some languages, allowing speakers to read and write in their native tongues.

Still, she said funding limitations and a lack of skilled workers continue to restrict the growth of translation projects and literacy programs.

The issues go beyond translating religious texts. They include documenting languages, creating writing systems, and giving communities the skills to maintain and use their local languages.

She also encouraged mission agencies and language development organizations to use digital technology and artificial intelligence to connect better with younger people.

"Social media and digital technology, including artificial intelligence, have come to stay. We must learn to use them positively to reach the younger generation through languages and formats they understand," she said.

Reflecting on the last 50 years, Toma said the anniversary should remind everyone that translating the Scriptures into Nigerian languages is still a work in progress.

"The future of Bible translation cannot depend upon those who began the work 50 years ago," she said. She urged younger people to take on leadership roles in technology, language development, and related fields.

She highlighted the need for ongoing investment in language documentation, literacy programs, and adopting new technologies.

Toma credited the organization’s success to translators, linguists, literacy workers, missionaries, volunteers, churches, donors, and language communities.

"We must not only preserve the legacy we have inherited; we must build upon it," she said.

"Fifty years have come and gone, but the mission continues. The first 50 years have given us a foundation. The next 50 years must give us a future."

At the anniversary, Job Mallam, the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), spoke about the importance of Bible translation for Christian evangelism in Nigeria and beyond.

He said translating the Scriptures into local languages helps people from different backgrounds to understand and respond to the Christian message.

"How can people really create an encounter, understand and respond to the gospel if the Word of God remains inaccessible to them in the language they can understand?" he asked.

Mallam praised the missionaries, translators, church leaders, and partners who laid the groundwork for Bible translation in Nigeria.

He warned against celebrating past achievements only, saying that changes in communication and technology require new strategies for the work.

"Fifty years is a milestone, but it is not a destination," he said.

He urged the NBTT and its partners to use digital platforms and new technologies to reach younger people and communities that have not fully benefited from Bible translation.

Mallam reaffirmed ECWA’s commitment to working with the NBTT and other partners to promote Bible translation and enhance related programs.