The Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) was founded in 1980. The Association has over 500 members. It was formed primarily among other goals to:

• provide a foundation for the study of Nigerian languages;
• provide a forum for sharing ideas on the scholarly study of these languages and their literatures with a view to developing them;
• initiate, encourage and support scholarly research in this field for scientific purposes and advice of the government;
• establish and publish learned journals;
• cooperate with other associations or bodies that have similar goals.

The Association regulates activities relating to the languages of Nigeria. It collaborates with other agencies of government and non-government to carry out series of development and advocacy campaigns in favour of Nigerian languages and cultures.