Abstract: The study investigated the need for literacy in the mother tongue for National development. The study reveals that Nigerian languages are not taught adequately in the schools and that parent are not even encouraging their children to study Nigerian languages. The study raises three hypotheses to test whether differences exist between a literate person in the mother tongue and non-literate person in the area of Standard of living: accessibility to occupation and understanding of political development and attitude to social developments. Two hundred and twenty samples drawn from different occupations were interviewed through questionnaire which was self reporting and personal interview. The responses were analyzed and subjected to t-test statistical analysis. Some of the findings revealed that literacy in the mother tongue could improve the standard of living of an individual in the area of health, nutrition and better living. It was found that it will lead to better understanding of political situations and social behaviour. It will enhance accessibility to employment giving the individual the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the nation. It was recommended that Nigerian government should encourage the teaching of Nigerian languages in the primary and secondary schools.