NewsNigeriaPoliticsNational Assembly Considers Returning to First National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

This anthem was replaced in 1978 with the current one, “Arise, O Compatriots.”

The bill, titled “Bill For An Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for Matters Related Thereto,” was passed swiftly through its first, second, and third readings.

The bill was sponsored by Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, and it received overwhelming support from the lawmakers. They argue that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” better represents a sense of national pride and unity.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where it has passed the first and second readings.

It is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, which will report back to the House within two weeks.

Nigerians are watching this development closely. If both chambers approve the bill and the president signs it, the country will see a return to its pre-1978 anthem after nearly five decades.