Jari urged ECOWAS and Nigeria to adopt Hausa as a unifying language for commerce and national identity.
The Global Coordinator of the World Hausa Day celebration, Abdulbaqi Jari, has urged the Economic Community of West African States to adopt Hausa as an official language for commerce and social interaction across the region.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2025 World Hausa Day, Jari said the widespread use of Hausa in trade would foster regional integration. “Hausa is well-positioned to serve—not only in Nigeria but across ECOWAS—because it is widely spoken throughout West Africa. It can serve as a unifying language for commerce, trade, and social interactions,” he said.
He also called on the Federal Government to designate Hausa as Nigeria’s national language, citing its cultural significance and large number of speakers. “We are calling on the Federal Government to recognise Hausa as the national language of Nigeria,” Jari added.
The 2025 celebration, holding Tuesday at the Emir of Daura’s Palace in Katsina, will also feature events in 25 other countries.