Tinubu Signs Legislation Reinstating Former National Anthem
President Bola Tinubu has enacted the National Anthem Bill 2024, officially reinstating the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly, marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The event also coincided with the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
President Tinubu, who later attended the joint session, affirmed that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is now the nation’s anthem. Akpabio explained that the session was primarily held to inaugurate the new anthem, noting that the President would not deliver a speech as he had to attend the launch of the Abuja metro line.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had previously approved the legislation to replace the national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in separate sessions.
With the President’s signing of the bill, the joint session discarded the anthem in use since 1978 in favor of the former anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Originally composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has now replaced “Arise, O Compatriots.” The lyrics were written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, who resided in Nigeria during its independence, and the music was composed by Frances Berda. This anthem played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
Lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
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.
