The National Anthem Bill 2024 into LAW by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after it was rapidly passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The bill which was signed into law on Wednesday seeks to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
A final assent to the passage of the bill will bring about a shift from the now-recognised, “Arise O Compatriots.”
The lyrics to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria.
LYRICS OF THE ANTHEM
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 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.
