In a move sparking national conversation, Nigeria’s legislature passed the Nigerian National Anthem Bill of 2024 with surprising speed on May 28th. Taking mere days to navigate both houses of government, this legislation could mark the fastest bill passage in the nation’s history. The bill proposes a return to the country’s pre-independence anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Mainstream media and social media outlets have been flooded with reactions since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the Bill. The decision to change the national anthem has been met with controversy and outrage by many Nigerians. This move comes as the government marks its first year in office, a time when Nigerians are already struggling with pressing economic hardships.
The Arguments
For the Change
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed gratitude to the President for his assent and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to read through the anthem line by line to understand its significance. The sponsor of the bill, Julius Ihonvbere, argued that the change was necessary to foster patriotism and nationalism.
The arguments for national pride and patriotism are interesting considering the origin of the lyrics. “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British woman who resided in Nigeria at the time of independence. This has raised questions about the authenticity of the nationalistic intent behind the anthem change.
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Against the Change
Many Nigerians and nationalists argue that the country has taken a step backward by discarding the anthem written by a collective of young Nigerians, including John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe in 1978. They point out that Nigeria’s name and many of its symbols were influenced by colonial powers, such as the name “Nigeria” suggested by British journalist Flora Shaw in 1897 and “Lagos” named by the Portuguese.
Instead of undertaking name changes to signal originality, Nigerian legislators are doubling down on another colonial relic by discarding the anthem written by nationals for one written by a foreigner. Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has vowed to continue singing “Arise, O Compatriots” and criticised the change as a misstep.
Similarly, Ahmad Satomi, a lawmaker from Borno State, challenged the relevance of the bill, sparking widespread discussion and debate.
Nigerians on the Street
Jide Oladele from Lagos expressed that while the anthem promotes unity, Nigerians are united in their struggles rather than in prosperity. Legal practitioner Akinkunmi Abolade criticised the change as unjustified and a diversion from more pressing issues. Adesiyan Muizz felt the change was a misplaced priority, arguing that the former anthem was better at promoting unity without mentioning differences.
Misplaced Priorities
While Nigeria grapples with pressing issues such as economic hardship, widespread unemployment, unreliable electricity, food insecurity, and rising costs of living, the focus of the national legislature seems misplaced. Lawmakers have not prioritised legislation to address these critical challenges, yet a seemingly less urgent issue, a “nationalistic and patriotic anthem,” has taken precedence.
Nigerians are bearing the brunt of multiple government policies implemented this year, including the naira float, subsidy removal, and electricity rationing, which have caused significant economic hardship.
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Adoption or Rejection: The Choice of a New Nigerian National Anthem
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on May 28, assented to the bill supporting the return of Nigeria’s old national anthem, which was dropped by a military government in 1978. The newly re-adopted anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was penned by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
Speaking in commemoration of his first year in office, President Tinubu said the anthem symbolised Nigeria’s diversity and unity. Senate President Goodwill Akpabio commended the President for taking “Nigeria back to its genealogy,” noting that the return to the old anthem represents a move to deepen unity and brotherhood.
Obnoxious Law: How are Nigerians Reacting?
Obiageli Ezekwesili expressed disapproval over the anthem and branded the law as obnoxious, vowing not to sing the new anthem. Similarly, ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani described the development as a misplacement of priority given the existential crises facing the country.
Nigerians abroad have also conveyed their disappointment. Professor Moses Ochonu, a prominent Nigerian historian in the United States, described the old anthem as outdated and inconsistent with modern aspirations. Folorunso Fatai Adisa in Glasgow called the change needless, while Soji Cole in Ontario urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable rather than focusing on the anthem.
Not a Yardstick to Measure Hardship
Media practitioner Basheer Luqman Olarewaju described the change as a commendable return to Nigeria’s cultural roots but argued that it should not be a yardstick to measure hardships. He called for reflections on prioritising internal development over external validation.
Conclusion
The national anthem, like the national flag and coat of arms, is a vital symbol of Nigeria’s identity. Whether this decision will strengthen national unity and address the pivotal challenges confronting the country remains to be seen.
The Newly Adopted Nigerian Anthem (introduced: 1960-1978, re-adopted: 2024)
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 Relinquished National Anthem (From 1978-2024)
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 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.
