National Anthem Changed Back to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

On May 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Act 2024, reverting Nigeria’s national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” (adopted in 1978) back to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” (used from independence in 1960 to 1978). The signing coincided with the first anniversary of Tinubu’s administration.

The original anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate. The change drew criticism, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole objecting to colonial-era words like “native and tribe” in the lyrics.