Now that the old Nigeria national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has been readopted following the signing of the Nigerian National Anthem Bill 2024, here are the lyrics.
However, before we see the lyrics of the “new” anthem, let’s learn about its origin and what led to it being jettisoned in the first instance.
A little background…
Nigeria, We Hail Thee was adopted as Nigeria’s national anthem following her independence on October 1, 1960. Its lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who was resident in Nigeria at the time of its independence.
However, following criticisms, chiefly that it was not composed by a Nigerian, it was replaced in 1976 by the two-stanza “Arise, O Compatriots” (composed by Ben Odiase), during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Lyrics of readopted Nigeria national anthem – 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.