Senate Moves to Reinstate ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ as National Anthem

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill that could see the country reverting to its old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This is a shift from the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” back to the melody that rang out at the dawn of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

The journey of the National Anthem Bill 2024 began swiftly, passing both the first and second readings on a Thursday and now only awaits the approval of President Bola Tinubu to become law. This bill not only proposes a change back to the old anthem but also touches on a deeper cultural revival, reconnecting Nigerians with a song that once unified the nation during its formative years. “Upon rendition, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians,” said Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. 

He reminisced about the anthem’s power to evoke strong feelings of national pride and unity, a sentiment shared by many who lived through the era. The lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” penned by Lillian Jean Williams—a British expatriate in Nigeria during independence—and set to music by Frances Berda, have not lost their emotional resonance.

The road to reinstating the old national anthem involves more than just legislative approval; it demands broad consensus and reflection on national identity. On Monday, the Senate held a public hearing to discuss this significant change, indicating the seriousness of the transition. 

The current anthem’s second stanza is proposed to remain as the national prayer, with potential further consultations to ensure that the change reflects the wishes of all Nigerians.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the need for wider consultation. “It should not be by legislative fiat alone,” he noted, suggesting that the amendment process involve extensive discussions to capture the true spirit of the nation.

The call for support for the change has been longstanding. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome, recalled advocating for this change ten years ago at the 2014 National Conference. He highlighted a line from the old anthem addressing oppression as particularly poignant, reflecting timely themes of justice and unity.