When Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on 1 October 1960, the nation adopted its first official national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The anthem was chosen through a competition held before independence, designed to select words and music that would embody the aspirations of a newly sovereign nation. The lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate living in Nigeria at the time, and the music was composed by Frances Benda, also British, who won the musical portion of the contest. Nigeria, We Hail Thee was first performed publicly at independence celebrations and quickly became a symbol of national identity and unity.
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The anthem’s lyrics celebrated unity and peace across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Despite its foreign authorship, it was embraced as a national symbol during the early years of independence, representing the ideals of a newly established nation-state.
The 1978 Change: Arise, O Compatriots
After 18 years of use, Nigeria, We Hail Thee was replaced in 1978 with a distinctly Nigerian anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.” This change occurred under the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo and reflected a desire to adopt a national song created entirely by Nigerian citizens. The replacement coincided with post-civil war nation-building efforts and the need to reinforce national unity and pride.
The lyrics of Arise, O Compatriots were drawn from a national contest. Five Nigerian authors, John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, P. O. Aderibigbe, Dr. Sota Omoigui, and B. A. Ogunnaike, collaborated on the text. The musical arrangement was created by the Nigerian Police Band under the direction of Benedict Odiase, then Music Director of the band. The anthem was officially adopted on 1 October 1978, marking the 18th anniversary of independence, and it remained in use for nearly 46 years, becoming widely recognised as a symbol of post-independence Nigerian identity.
The adoption of Arise, O Compatriots was significant not only for its authorship but also because it reflected a conscious shift toward homegrown national symbols, emphasizing citizen participation and Nigerian cultural identity.
The 2024 Reinstatement: Legislative Action and Debate
In May 2024, the Nigerian government enacted a major reversal of the anthem policy. The National Anthem Bill 2024 was introduced in both chambers of the National Assembly and passed rapidly, formally abolishing Arise, O Compatriots and restoring Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 29 May 2024, officially reinstating the original anthem as the country’s national song.
The restored anthem was performed publicly at a joint session of the National Assembly, marking its official return. Advocates for the reinstatement argued that Nigeria, We Hail Thee connects citizens to the nation’s historical foundation, independence, and enduring ideals of peace, unity, and shared heritage. Supporters also emphasized that the anthem’s return represents a symbolic move to reconnect the nation with its early post-colonial identity.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The reinstatement sparked significant public debate. Many Nigerians expressed concern over the speed of the legislative process, noting that the bill had not undergone extensive public consultation. Critics argued that altering a national symbol of such importance should involve broader civic engagement to ensure that the decision reflects the collective will of the people.
Some citizens raised questions about the anthem itself. Terms such as “native land” and “tribes” were criticised as outdated or reflective of colonial-era terminology, with some arguing they are not consistent with modern Nigerian identity. Certain Nigerians stated they would continue to sing Arise, O Compatriots, valuing its wholly Nigerian authorship and connection to post-independence self-determination.
Other critics framed the anthem change as a distraction from urgent national challenges, including economic hardships, security issues, and social infrastructure needs. The debate highlighted tensions between national symbolism and the prioritization of pressing policy matters.
Supporters of the reinstatement countered that Nigeria, We Hail Thee emphasizes unity across diversity and preserves historical continuity, serving as a reminder of the nation’s founding principles. They argued that national symbols can coexist with practical governance, reflecting both heritage and contemporary national identity.
Legacy and Contemporary Significance
The reinstatement of Nigeria, We Hail Thee has prompted broader reflection on national identity, historical memory, and cultural representation. For some Nigerians, the anthem embodies the ideals of Nigeria at independence, symbolizing hope, unity, and citizen responsibility. For others, its foreign authorship and archaic language raise questions about the appropriateness of the anthem in modern Nigeria.
Regardless of opinion, the change has underscored the continuing importance of national symbols in shaping civic consciousness. The debate surrounding the anthem reveals ongoing societal discussions about how the nation remembers its past, balances historical legacy with modern identity, and engages citizens in decisions affecting shared cultural markers.
Nigeria’s national anthem has traversed a remarkable journey: from Nigeria, We Hail Thee at independence in 1960, to Arise, O Compatriots in 1978, and back again in 2024 through formal legislation. Each change reflects the historical and political context of its time: independence, post-civil war nation-building, and contemporary debates about identity and heritage.
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Author’s Note
The reinstatement of Nigeria, We Hail Thee demonstrates that national symbols are not static; they evolve as the society they represent evolves. By restoring the original anthem, Nigeria has reignited discussions on identity, unity, historical memory, and civic participation, reminding citizens that symbols carry power not only in words and music, but in their ability to shape national consciousness.
References
Nigerian Tribune, The Sun, The Nation reporting on historical anthem details and legislative process.
Reports on National Anthem Bill 2024 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing.
Contemporary news coverage of public reactions and debates surrounding the 2024 reinstatement.
