Insecurity, inadequate funding, shortage of language experts and the need to embrace emerging technologies have been identified as major challenges threatening Bible translation in Nigeria as the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) marks its 50th anniversary.
The Executive Director and Chairman of the NBTT Board, Patience Toma, disclosed that some Bible translators had been killed while working in rural communities, while insecurity had disrupted translation activities and forced residents to flee to internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps.
Toma, who spoke during activities marking the organisation’s golden jubilee in Jos, Plateau State, said the situation had raised concerns about the safety of translators working to make the Scriptures accessible in indigenous languages.
“We have translators working in rural communities, and insecurity has affected the work in those areas. Some translators have been killed, although we do not have official statistics on the number of casualties,” she said.
She called on the Federal Government to strengthen security in rural communities and deploy security personnel to protect translators and language development workers.
“Government needs to improve security and ensure that security personnel are deployed across rural communities to protect lives and enable translators to continue their work,” Toma said.
Beyond insecurity, she identified inadequate funding and shortages of translators, consultants and linguists as major obstacles, noting that approximately 95 per cent of resources for Bible translation in Nigeria came from outside the country, largely from Western nations.
“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.
Over 600 minority languages
Toma said Nigeria’s linguistic diversity presented a significant challenge, with more than 600 minority languages requiring attention in Bible translation and language development.
“There are more than 600 minority languages in Nigeria, and many of them still need attention. We have helped develop writing systems for some languages so that people can read and write in their mother tongues,” she said.
She said NBTT’s work went beyond translating Scriptures to developing writing systems, producing literacy materials and helping communities read and write in indigenous languages.
“There are still languages requiring development and documentation. There are still literacy programmes to strengthen. “
There are still emerging technologies to embrace. There are still churches and communities to equip for deeper engagement in Scripture,” she said.
Technology and next generation
Toma urged mission agencies to embrace digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to reach younger generations through accessible languages and formats.
“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.
She stressed the need to prepare younger people for leadership and expertise in information technology, linguistics and missionary work.
“The future of Bible translation cannot depend upon those who began the work 50 years ago. We need the next generation as leaders, as IT gurus, as missionaries. We need them as well,” she said.
Toma acknowledged translators, linguists, literacy workers, missionaries, volunteers, churches, donors and language communities for sustaining the mission.
“This jubilee is therefore a celebration of the men and women who over five decades have given their time, their knowledge, their skills, their prayers, resources and lives to the cause of Bible translation,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and commit more resources to translating the Bible into additional Nigerian languages, saying, “We must not only preserve the legacy we have inherited; we must build upon it.”
‘Fifty years is a milestone, not a destination’
Also speaking, President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Job Ayuba Bagat Mallam, described Bible translation as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and a major contribution to advancing the gospel.
He said people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds needed access to Scripture in languages they understood.
“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?” Mallam asked.
He acknowledged pioneering missionaries, translators, church leaders, supporters and partner organisations that laid the foundation for the work.
“As we celebrate 50 years, we must pause to say, ‘Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has helped us.’ We therefore acknowledge with gratitude the pioneering missionaries, translators, lay missionaries, church leaders, supporters and partner organisations who laid the foundations and sustained this ministry through the years,” he said.
Mallam cautioned against complacency, stressing that changes in language, communication and technology had created fresh demands.
“When we celebrate the past, we must not become prisoners of the past. Fifty years is a milestone, but it is not a destination,” he said.
He urged NBTT and its partners to use emerging technologies to reach young people and communities yet to benefit fully from Bible translation.
“The task ahead is therefore enormous. And here I would encourage NBTT not merely to ask, ‘What have we accomplished?’ but also to ask, ‘What is God calling us to accomplish in the next 50 years?’” he said.
Mallam reaffirmed ECWA’s commitment to working with NBTT and other partners to advance Bible translation, strengthen evangelism and deepen Christian discipleship.