History

BRIEF HISTORY

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world.

There are about 700 languages spoken in Nigeria. 325 of these still do not have even a single verse of the Bible translated. About 30% of these languages are endangered and are headed towards extinction.

Nigeria was among the first countries in Africa to form a national Bible translating organisation.  In 1962, the University of Nigeria signed a cooperative agreement with Wycliffe’s partner, SIL International, to carry out language development work. Out of this partnership, the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) was born. In 1976, NBTT assumed the responsibility for Bible translation for the minority language groups in Nigeria.

Currently, NBTT has over 107 projects running across the country and is conducting surveys of over 42  more Language Communities with the possibility of starting  translation work. Due to the growing number of  Bible translation projects, and to decentralize activities from the headquarters, NBTT has decided to split these projects into seven zones across the country, each zone having not less than 12 projects, headed by a Zonal Coordinator.

WHAT WE DO:

  • Language development
  • Bible Translation
  • Training of translators
  • Vernacular Media Services – recording and production of audio and video Bible versions
  • Scripture engagement activities

    VISION
    Our vision is to build a competent and sustainable organization whose purpose is to
    enable a holistic transformation of communities, giving them access to God's word
    in their heart Languages.

    MISSION

To partner with the church and communities
to access the word of God for holistic growth through literacy
and language development.