Nigeria National Anthem and Its Frequently Asked Questions

On May 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem (“Nigeria, We Hail Thee,”) which was dropped by a military government in 1978.

The newly re-adopted anthem, begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was first adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960 and was used between 1960-1978. The anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Current Nigeria National Anthem / National Anthem of Nigeria

Below is the 2024 old-New Nigeria Re-adopted anthem – “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,”

first stanza

• 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.

Second stanza

• 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.

Third stanza

• 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

Second/Old Nigeria National Anthem – Arise, O Compatriots

“Arise, O Compatriots.” was Nigeria National anthem until May 29, 2024 before President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem (“Nigeria, We Hail Thee,”). “Arise, O Compatriots.” has now become Nigeria old National anthem.

Arise, O Compatriots.”consists of two stanzas and is sung to music composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase. The lyrics were created from contributions by five Nigerians: John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P.O. Aderibigbe. Here are the lyrics to the anthem:

Below is the lyrics of old nigerian national anthem (Arise, O Compatriots.) lyrics:

First stanzas

• Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
  To serve our fatherland
  With love and strength and faith
  The labour of our heroes past
  Shall never be in vain
  To serve with heart and might
  One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

Second stanzas

• Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
  Guide our leader’s right
  Help our youth the truth to know
  In love and honesty to grow
  And living just and true
  Great lofty heights attain
  To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

National Pledge

• I pledge to Nigeria my Country
• To be faithful, loyal and honest
• To serve Nigeria with all my strength
• To defend her unity
• And uphold her honour and glory
• So help me God.

Related: List of Nigeria Past Presidents

Also read: Nigeria Postal Codes and Zip Codes Complete list

Brief History of Nigeria National Anthem

The history of the Nigeria National Anthem reflects the country’s journey towards independence and its desire to create a symbol that embodies its national identity and aspirations.

Pre-Independence Era:

Before gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria did not have a distinct national anthem. The British colonial anthem, “God Save the Queen,” was used during official ceremonies.

Post-Independence Era: First National Anthem (1960 – 1978):

Upon gaining independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria adopted its first national anthem titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, and the music was composed by Frances Berda, also British. While the anthem was cherished, it was criticized for not adequately representing Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Second National Anthem (1978 – May, 2024):

In 1978, the Nigerian government decided to adopt a new national anthem that would be more reflective of the nation’s identity. A national contest was held to gather lyrics from citizens across the country. The selected lyrics were a composite of submissions from five Nigerians: John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P.O. Aderibigbe.

The music for the new anthem was composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the direction of Benedict E. Odiase.

The anthem, titled “Arise, O Compatriots,” was officially adopted in 1978 and has been in use ever since.

Current National Anthem (May 2024 – Present):

The current nigeria anthem is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,”. The transition to the current anthem is an attempt to further create a unifying symbol that resonates with all Nigerians, while also emphasizing themes of patriotism, unity, and collective progress.

Nigeria National Anthem FAQs