Senate Approves Bill to Reinstate Old National Anthem

The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, aiming to revert to the former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The bill swiftly passed its first and second readings on Thursday and now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s approval to become law.

This legislation proposes changing the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” back to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The old anthem, originally adopted when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, would replace the anthem introduced in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime.

The lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria at the time of its independence, and the music was composed by Frances Berda. The anthem was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the anthem’s significant impact: “When performed, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians. Those who experienced that era remember its crucial role in our history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years.”

On Monday, the Senate held a public hearing on the Act to establish the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters.

Bamidele, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the hearing, mentioned that the second stanza of the current anthem should serve as the national prayer. However, he noted that further consultation might be necessary if deemed appropriate.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the amendment should undergo broader consultation, not just legislative action. He argued that while the reversal is not unwarranted, it should reflect the general wishes of all Nigerians.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome supported the change, referencing a line from the previous anthem addressing oppression. He echoed the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency’s view that the anthem change was overdue. Ozekhome recalled proposing this idea a decade ago at the 2014 CONFAB, where it was widely supported by 490 delegates.

Last week, the bill to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” successfully passed a second reading in the Senate before being passed on Tuesday.

The House of Representatives has also approved the bill. For the anthem change to take effect, the bill must be harmonized by both chambers and receive the President’s endorsement.

### Lyrics to “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.
“`