President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on Wednesday, reinstating Nigeria’s original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This new legislation marks a shift from the current anthem, “Arise O Compatriots.”

The bill, which swiftly passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, reflects a desire to honor Nigeria’s heritage and roots. With the President’s final assent, the country will now embrace its historical anthem, symbolizing a return to foundational values and national pride.

The enactment of this bill represents a momentous change in Nigeria’s national identity and cultural expression.

The New National  Anthem:

Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are 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.

Credit: Punch