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We’re back to the basics with the new national anthem of Nigeria. On May 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially replacing “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This marks the end of the anthem that had been in place since 1978, as Nigeria reverts to its first-ever national anthem after independence.

So, why was the Nigerian national anthem changed? And how do both anthems compare? Here’s everything you need to know about the new national anthem, its lyrics, history, and the controversy surrounding it.

Nigeria We Hail Thee – Full Lyrics of Nigeria’s New National Anthem

Stanza I (1)

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.

Stanza II (2)

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.

Stanza III (3)

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.

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Listen to Nigeria’s New National Anthem

Want to learn the lyrics and melody? Listen to the new national anthem here:

Why did Nigeria change its National Anthem?

On May 29, 2024, Nigerians woke up to the news that the Nigerian government had replaced the national anthem — but not with an entirely new composition. Instead, the country reverted to its first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was originally used from 1960 to 1978.

The lyrics of Nigeria’s first national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” were written by Lilian Jean Williams, a British woman, while the music was composed by another British national, Frances Benda.

But what prompted this decision? According to the government, the new (old) anthem “” and evokes stronger emotional connections with Nigerians.

However, it’s worth noting that the replaced anthem — “Arise, O Compatriots” — was composed entirely by Nigerians:

• Lyrics by: John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, O Sota Omoigui, and P. O. Aderibigbe.
• Music by: The Nigerian Police Band, directed by B. E. Odiasse.

How Nigerians are Reacting to the New National Anthem

The decision to change the anthem has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning its impact on national unity.

For some, switching back to an old anthem written by British nationals does little to address Nigeria’s actual challenges. In contrast, others focused on how quickly the bill was passed — within just one week, in fact.

Here’s how it happened:

• May 23: The House of Representatives debated and passed the bill.
• May 27: The Senate approved it.
• May 28: President Tinubu signed it into law.

Since then, Nigerians have continued to voiced their opinions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter):

I will not sing the Colonial Masters' "Nigeria we hail thee" anthem. Never! If indeed they want a national prayer to resonate, then the 2nd stanza, "oh God of creation" written by a Nigerian is appropriate. Timi Dakolo's song "Great Nation" could have been considered too.

— Nana Sani Kazaure (@NanaKazaure)

“Nigeria, we hail thee” was written & composed by 2 white people belonging to the colonizer class.. “Arise of compatriots” was composed & written by 6 Nigerians from different tribes to foster strong national identity and inclusivity. What is the reason for reverting backwards?

— Dami (@onosowobo)

Who Wrote the New National Anthem?

Since Nigeria has officially reverted to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” it’s worth learning about its creators.

Lilian Jean Williams (Lyricist)

Lilian Jean Williams was a British expatriate working in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Welfare before independence.

In 1959, the National Planning Committee for Independence launched a competition to select a national anthem for Nigeria’s independence in 1960, which drew entries from different countries such as Belguim, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Williams entered the competition and won £100 for her lyrics, which she later donated to the Nigerian Red Cross.

Frances Benda (Composer)

After finalising the lyrics, another global competition was held to compose the anthem’s music. A total of 3,693 entries were submitted.

The winning composition came from Frances Benda, a British woman who turned out to be Mrs. Charles Kernot, a private music teacher and professional pianist from the Carol Hill School of Classical Ballet, London. She won £1,000 for her work.

New vs. Old: How Do the National Anthems Compare?

To properly understand the change, let’s look at the replaced anthem:

Old National Anthem: ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ (1978–2024)

Stanza I (1)

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.

Stanza II (2)

O 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.

Key Differences Between ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ and ‘Arise, O Compatriots’

1. Tone & Message

• “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” focuses on nation-building, unity, and pride.

• “Arise, O Compatriots” is a call to action, urging Nigerians to actively serve their country.

2. Patriotism vs. Optimism

• “Arise, O Compatriots” emphasises patriotism and duty, reminding Nigerians to honour past heroes.

• “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” takes a softer, optimistic tone, highlighting Nigeria’s potential.

3. Motherland vs. Fatherland

• “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” refers to Nigeria as a “Motherland.”

• “Arise, O Compatriots” refers to Nigeria as a “Fatherland.”

4. Composers & Writers

• “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was written and composed by British nationals.

• “Arise, O Compatriots” was entirely written and composed by Nigerians.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nigeria’s National Anthem

Q: How many national anthems does Nigeria have?
A: Nigeria has had two official national anthems since its independence in 1960. The first was “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (1960–1978), and the second was “Arise, O Compatriots” (1978–2024). In 2024, the country reverted to the first anthem.

Q: What is the first national anthem of Nigeria?
A: The first national anthem of Nigeria is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” It was adopted at independence in 1960 and used until 1978.

Q: What is the full version of Nigeria’s national anthem?
A: The full version of the current national anthem is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” with three stanzas.

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