We’re back to the basics with the new national anthem of Nigeria. On May 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a law officially replacing “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This marks the end of the anthem that had been in place since 1978, as Nigeria reverts to its first-ever national anthem after independence.
But why was the national anthem changed? And how do both anthems compare? Here’s everything you need to know about Nigeria’s new national anthem, its lyrics, history, and the controversy surrounding it.
‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ Full Lyrics
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.
Listen to Nigeria’s New National Anthem
Want to learn the lyrics and melody? Listen to Nigeria’s new national anthem here:
Why did Nigeria change its National Anthem?
On May 29, 2024, Nigerians woke up to the news that the Nigerian government had replaced the national anthem — but not with an entirely new composition. Instead, the country reverted to its first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was originally used from 1960 to 1978.
The lyrics of the anthem were written by Lilian Jean Williams, a British woman, while the music was composed by Frances Benda, another British national.
So, why did President Tinubu and the National Assembly bring back this anthem? The official explanation is that the anthem “promotes national unity” and evokes stronger emotional connections with Nigerians.
Ironically, the replaced anthem — “Arise, O Compatriots” — was composed entirely by Nigerians:
- Lyrics by: John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, O Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe.
- Music by: The Nigerian Police Band, directed by B. E. Odiasse.
How Nigerians are Reacting to the New National Anthem
The decision to change the anthem has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning its impact on national unity.
Some argue that switching back to an old anthem, which was written and composed by two Brits, does nothing to address Nigeria’s many pressing challenges. Others criticise the speed at which the bill was passed — within just one week.
Here’s how it happened:
- May 23: The House of Representatives debated and passed the bill.
- May 27: The Senate approved it.
- May 28: President Tinubu signed it into law.
Many Nigerians have voiced their opinions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter):
Who Wrote the New National Anthem?
Since Nigeria has officially reverted to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” it’s worth learning about its creators.
Lilian Jean Williams (Lyricist)
Lilian Jean Williams was a British expatriate working in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Welfare before independence.
In 1959, the National Planning Committee for Independence launched a competition to select a national anthem for Nigeria’s independence in 1960, which drew entries from different countries such as Belguim, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Williams entered the competition and won £100 for her lyrics, which she later donated to the Nigerian Red Cross.
Frances Benda (Composer)
After finalising the lyrics, another global competition was held to compose the anthem’s music. A total of 3,693 entries were submitted.
The winning composition came from Frances Benda, a British woman who turned out to be Mrs. Charles Kernot, a private music teacher and professional pianist from the Carol Hill School of Classical Ballet, London. She won £1,000 for her work.
New vs. Old: How Do the National Anthems Compare?
To understand the differences, here’s the replaced anthem:
‘Arise, O Compatriots’ (1978–2024)
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.
O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause
Guide thou our leaders 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.
Key Differences Between ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ and ‘Arise, O Compatriots’
- Tone & Message
- “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” focuses on nation-building, unity, and pride.
- “Arise, O Compatriots” is a call to action, urging Nigerians to actively serve their country.
- Patriotism vs. Optimism
- “Arise, O Compatriots” emphasizes patriotism and duty, reminding Nigerians to honor past heroes.
- “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” takes a softer, optimistic tone, highlighting Nigeria’s potential.
- Motherland vs. Fatherland
- “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” refers to Nigeria as a “Motherland”.
- “Arise, O Compatriots” refers to Nigeria as a “Fatherland”.
- Composers & Writers
- “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was written and composed by British nationals.
- “Arise, O Compatriots” was entirely written and composed by Nigerians.
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