The Federal Government has clarified the usage of the newly reinstated national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following the National Anthem Bill 2024 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024. The bill reverts to the old anthem, originally composed upon Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, replacing the more recent “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, outlined these updates during a world press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.
According to Idris, although the new national anthem contains three stanzas, only the first stanza will be recited at public events. The full version, including all three stanzas, will only be used in the presence of the President or during significant national events, such as Independence Day celebrations.
The last stanza of the anthem has now been designated as the national prayer, while the national pledge remains unchanged.
The information was also shared by Bashir Ahmed, a former presidential aide, on his X handle. He quoted the minister: “The full stanzas should only be recited when the President and Commander-In-Chief is present or during national events such as the Independence Anniversary. Lastly, the last stanza of the anthem will now serve as the national prayer, while the national pledge remains unchanged.”
