By Sakariyah Ridwanullah
On the 29th of May, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the return of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the new national anthem, which marked a significantly symbolic turning point in Nigeria. Reuters (2024) reported that the bill was pushed through both chambers of the National Assembly in less than a week — an unusually rapid process for such symbolic legislation. Originally, the anthem — “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” — was first adopted in 1960 when Nigeria gained her independence, with lyrics by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams and music by Frances Benda. The anthem lasted until 1978, when it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” under the military leadership of General Olusegun Obasanjo. That replacement was meant to be a reflection of a post-war emphasis on unity and resilience in Nigeria back then. Now, after nearly 50 years, Nigeria is returning to her original anthem, a melody that was first sung at the dawn of independence and now revived to remind her children of the dreams she once held.
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The anthem is now echoing again through school assemblies, state functions, and other ceremonial occasions. The full lyrics of the anthem ring with gentle pride and hopeful intent. Citizens are now singing:
*”Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribes and tongues 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.”*
— Lyrics officially released by NOA in June 2024
The anthem speaks volumes about unity amidst diversity (“Though tribes and tongues may differ, In brotherhood we stand”) and aspires to establish divine peace and blessing. Also, it gently calls for justice in peace and a shared sense of service to “motherland,” one that is simple, inclusive, and spiritual.
However, not everyone speaks well of the change of the national anthem. A number of critics claim that the decision smacks of tone-deaf timing. For instance, The Guardian (2024) reported that critics, including activist Chioma Agwuegbo, called the change “a distraction” from real issues like the growing inflation and worsening insecurity. In the same vein, former minister Oby Ezekwesili took to social media to say that she would refuse to sing the anthem, pointing out the “pejorative” language of “native” and “tribes,” and lamenting the lack of public involvement.
In contrast, some lawmakers and other informed citizens embraced the change as a return to Nigeria’s core identity. The Nation (2024) revealed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the restored anthem during the National Assembly session, suggesting that the anthem calls Nigerians to remember their roots and promotes brotherhood beyond the “Compatriots” identity. Public affairs analyst Frank Tietie argued that the restoration of the original anthem realigns the nation with its foundational ideals, untainted by military governance.
Following the passage of the law, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) released the approved text of the anthem on the 5th of June, 2024, clarifying subtle wording details, such as the plural ‘s’ in “tribes” and “tongues” in the first stanza, emphasizing precision in usage across institutions. Schools, government agencies, security services, and media were instructed to transition to the reintroduced anthem in official ceremonies.
Interestingly enough, some analysts warn that the restoration of the anthem highlights deeper tensions about national direction. Financial Times (2024) argues that rushing through a change of national symbol amid an economic downturn sends a signal that the parliament lacks independent authority, and thus may prioritise symbolism over substance.
Nigeria’s anthem symbolizes national unity and identity. The recent reinstatement brings cultural reverence and historical continuity, particularly for older generations nostalgic for post-independence ideals. According to Music In Africa, the restoration was seen by some as a way to chart “a path to greater unity,” thereby harking back to the launch of the anthem in 1960. However, its rushed passage during a period of pressing socio-economic challenges has raised a number of questions about political priorities and governance transparency.
To this end, the national anthem is more than just a song. It is now a mirror reflecting complex conversations about history, identity, and priorities. It asks the country to honour unity, justice, and peace. Yet, whether it will unite or divide, inspire action or divert attention, remains Nigeria’s continuing story to write.
