The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to revert to the country’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, which was replaced in 1978. The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, received overwhelming support from lawmakers, who argued that it would promote unity, peace, and prosperity.
The old anthem, composed by Frances Berda with lyrics by Lillian Jean Williams, played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity in the 1960s and 1970s. Lawmakers noted that the current national anthem was introduced by the military junta and should be replaced with the independence anthem, which captures national values and ethics.
The bill now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become a law. During a public hearing on the bill, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, suggested that the amendment should be subject to wider consultation, citing examples from other countries.
If signed into law, the second stanza of the existing national anthem will become the national prayer. The move is seen as a step towards promoting national unity and nostalgia for Nigeria’s early years.