The National Assembly has approved a bill to change the current national anthem from “Arise O Compatriots” to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail thee.”
This move was supported by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The bill, titled “National Anthem Bill, 2024,” passed its third reading after careful consideration by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Federal Character, and Intergovernmental Affairs.
During a public hearing on the matter, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, advised lawmakers to engage in wider consultations before passing the bill.
The bill was read for the first and second time last week and received an accelerated hearing at both chambers.
While it passed the second reading at the Senate, it was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative actions.
Once the bill is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu and assented to, it will be the first time Nigeria’s national anthem is given legal backing.
The Chairman of the committee, Senator Tahir Mongunu, who represents Borno North, presented the report during plenary.
He emphasized that the bill aims to provide a legal framework for the national anthem, ensuring its significance and power.
Mongunu clarified that the bill does not require constitutional amendment or wider citizen participation, but it did undergo a public hearing and readings at all stages.
In his report, Mongunu highlighted that the new national anthem is fitting as it represents the country’s people, culture, values, and aspirations. He recommended the passage of the bill, stating that it is important to preserve the history, culture, and identity of Nigeria.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also addressed the concerns raised by the Attorney General, noting that the AGF is not a lawmaker and may lack a full understanding of the legislative process.
Here are the lyrics to the new national anthem, “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 honored,
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.”
