The old Nigerian national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, just reverted to in Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was written by a female Briton, the late Lillian Jean Williams, who lived as an expatriate in Nigeria.
However, Frances Berda composed the music for the anthem. Invariably, the old anthem was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signing bill returning Nigerian colonial anthem into law
The old anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978, when the new anthem composed by Nigerians replaced it.
The national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” lyrics was created by five Nigerians: P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B.A. Ogunnaike.
On May 23, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill to revert from the current anthem to Nigeria, We Hail Thee. This bill was signed into law on May 29, 2024.
National Anthem
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
Inbrotherhood, 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 honoured,
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.
Previous Anthem
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.
II
Oh 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.
