The Nigerian national anthem was changed in 1978 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Nigeria made the decision to change its national anthem due to criticisms regarding its appropriateness and lack of national unity.
The anthem at the time, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” faced scrutiny for its lyrics, which were seen as not adequately representing the diverse population and aspirations of the nation.
The anthem’s original lyrics were penned by Lillian Jean Williams in 1960 and composed by Frances Berda. However, the criticisms led to its replacement with the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with lyrics written by John A. Ilechukwu and composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the direction of Benedict E. Odiase.
Odiase, who played a crucial role in the creation of the new anthem, passed away in 2013. His contribution to Nigerian music and national identity was widely acknowledged, marking the end of an era.
On May 23, both chambers of the National Assembly passed the bill to revert to the old national anthem.
The Senate argued that the old anthem would “promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity” compared to the current one.
In a closed-door session, they debated the bill and asserted that the current national anthem, being a product of the military junta and decreed by the military, should be discarded to better reflect the nation’s democratic values, integrity, and foster a stronger commitment to nationhood.
The House of Representatives also passed the bill to revert to the old national anthem. The bill swiftly moved through its first, second, and third readings in the lower chamber within minutes.
On the occasion of his first anniversary as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2024, Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill that mandates a return to the nation’s old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”
The lyrics of the old national anthem are as follows:
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.
