The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has directed that only the first stanza of Nigeria’s reinstated national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” should be sung at official and public events across the country.
The clarification comes amid growing confusion among government institutions, schools, and the public over the correct rendition format of the anthem, which was officially reintroduced in May 2024 following a bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized that the directive is aimed at ensuring uniformity and respect for national symbols.
He said, “The first stanza of the national anthem shall be adopted as the official version to be rendered at all national, official, and public ceremonies. The anthem remains a solemn expression of unity, discipline, and patriotism, and it must be performed with dignity and respect.”
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Issa-Onilu explained that the decision was reached after consultations with relevant cultural and educational institutions, noting that the first stanza sufficiently captures the spirit of the anthem and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“The anthem’s opening lines, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land,’ represent our collective identity and commitment to unity. The stanzas that follow are historical and poetic extensions but not mandatory for public rendition,” he stated.
He also urged public institutions, schools, and event organizers to update their protocols accordingly, adding that the NOA has begun circulating official guides and audio materials to promote proper rendition of the anthem nationwide.
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The reinstated anthem originally composed by Lillian Jean Williams and set to music by Frances Berda replaced “Arise, O Compatriots,” which had been in use since 1978.
The NOA boss reiterated that respect for the national anthem, flag, and other emblems remains central to Nigeria’s civic identity and called on citizens to see the anthem as a rallying symbol rather than a subject of political debate.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some Nigerians commending the NOA for providing clarity, while others questioned the decision to revert to the old anthem, describing it as a backward step in national development.
Civic education experts, however, say the agency’s move to standardize anthem usage could help strengthen patriotism, particularly among young Nigerians, if accompanied by renewed public awareness campaigns.The NOA assured that the new directive takes effect immediately, and monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure compliance across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
