Full lyrics of new national anthem ‘Nigeria, We Hail thee’

Nigeria's original song, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," has been reinstated after President Bola Tinubu signed the National song Bill 2024 into law.Patriotic goods

During a joint session of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed this development.

The restoration of the original anthem, which was Nigeria's national anthem from 1960 until 1978, represents a return to the early years following the country's independence.

British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams wrote "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," while Frances Berda composed the song.

Because its author was not Nigerian, the anthem has been criticised over the years despite its early contribution to the formation of national identity.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the recent legislative reform, which was led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of Ekiti Central.

The original anthem, according to the bill's supporters, promotes a more potent emblem of harmony, peace, and prosperity than its replacement, "Arise, O Compatriots."

The current anthem, lawmakers emphasised, was a creation of the military administration and did not reflect the national ideals, ethics, and conventions that were enshrined in the independence anthem.

"Nigeria, we hail thee, our dear native land," goes the old anthem. What are the remaining lyrics of the ancient national song, though?

The anthem can be found below:

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.