Many Nigerians are expressing outrage over the recent change to the national anthem, a decision made with minimal public consultation. President Bola Tinubu signed a bill on Wednesday to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, which had been replaced by a military government in 1978.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.
During his first anniversary in office, President Tinubu emphasized that the anthem symbolizes Nigeria’s diversity. However, many Nigerians are questioning his priorities, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Online reactions were swift and critical. On X, user @Gospel_rxx commented, “A new national anthem is the priority for Tinubu & Co at a time like this, when our people can’t eat, insecurity is rife & life is hell? What a sordid joke! Let’s see how they implement it…”
Another user, Fola Folayan, criticized the parliament’s quick approval of the bill, stating, “Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian to the song written by colonizers is a stupid decision and it’s shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it.”
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili declared on X that she would never sing the re-adopted anthem. “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing,” she posted, followed by the lyrics to “Arise O Compatriots,” the anthem used for the past 46 years.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad noted the ongoing debate on social media, saying, “After the change of our national anthem, some people are now calling for the name Nigeria and the national flag to be changed as well. What do you think? Should we keep the name Nigeria?”
Despite widespread criticism, Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee behind the bill, defended the move as “apt, timely, and important.” He stated, “It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity.”
Some, like Kano resident Habu Shamsu, support the change. “I think it is more encompassing and I like the way it flows,” he told the BBC.
Comparing the anthems, the recently retired “Arise, O Compatriots” calls citizens to serve the nation with love, strength, and faith, while the re-adopted “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” emphasizes unity and pride in Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
“Arise, O Compatriots” (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.”
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (1960-1978, re-adopted 2024): “Nigeria we hail thee. Our own dear native land. Though tribes and tongue may differ. In brotherhood we stand. Nigerians all, are proud to serve. Our sovereign motherland.”
