President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to the National Anthem Bill 2024, resulting in the restoration of the former national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this development on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. This event coincided with the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration. Tinubu, who later joined the joint session, confirmed “Nigeria, we hail thee” as the "latest national anthem".
READ ASLO: Return to Old Anthem: ‘Can It Address Current Hardship?’ Nigerians Respond
Akpabio clarified that the purpose of the session was primarily to introduce the new national anthem, noting that the President would not be delivering a speech due to his engagement in launching the Abuja metro line.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed legislation to replace the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” during separate sessions.
With the President's endorsement of the bill to reintroduce the old national anthem, the joint sitting opted for “Nigeria, we hail thee”, discarding the anthem in use since 1978.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, composed at the time of Nigeria's independence on October 1, 1960, has now replaced “Arise, O Compatriots”. Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria during its independence, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. This anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
