“NIGERIA WE HAIL THEE”
        1960 – 1978
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.

The National Anthem Bill 2024, which aims to bring back Nigeria’s old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, May 28.

The bill had previously undergone first and second readings and was referred to the committee on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters for further legislative work.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Mohammed Monguno, presented the report and urged the Senate to pass the bill due to its significance.

The House of Representatives also passed the bill last week. The former anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was initially adopted as the country’s national anthem in 1960 but was replaced in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime to “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.