A new language service for digital platforms in English-based Pidgin for West and Central Africa has been launched by the BBC World Service.
Pidgin is one of the most widely-spoken languages across the region, even though it is not officially recognised.
The BBC World Service also plans to offer more mobile and video content and a greater social media presence.
It will also enhance its television services across Africa, including more than 30 new TV programmes for partner broadcasters in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Nigeria it is estimated that some three to five million people use it as their first language in day-to-day interactions.
It is said to be a second language to a much higher number of up to 75 million people in Nigeria alone – about half the population.
And it is also widely spoken in other countries in the region.
BBC Pidgin will provide a mix of local, regional and international news current affairs and analysis – bringing the world to the region and vice-versa.
The corporation says the new digital service will also aim to serve a younger audience and women with social media playing a key role.
So in addition there will be “extensive coverage of culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, science and technology, health and sport – including the English Premier League”.
The production hub is based in Lagos, the commercial capital, but reporters in Ghana and Cameroon as well as Nigeria itself will also be on the ground gathering news.
In addition to Pidgin, Nigerians will also soon be able to access services for Yoruba and Igbo , complementing the current Hausa service and English output.
