The bill to return to Nigeria’s old national anthem passed second reading in the Senate in Abuja on Thursday.

The old anthem, which the military administration abandoned in 1978, which is titled “Nigeria we hail Thee”.

This was the anthem of Nigeria when it became an independent country on October 1, 1960.

NIGERIAN OLD NATIONAL ANTHEM
1960 – 1978

“NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE”

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.

It lasted from 1960 to 1978 before it was replaced by the new National anthem.

NIGERIAN NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM
1978 – 2024

“ARISE, O COMPATRIOTS”

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.
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.