On Thursday, the federal government provided clarification on how the new national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee,” should be recited following its reinstatement earlier this year.
In May 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, replacing the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with the original anthem used at Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
During a press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that only the first stanza of the anthem should be recited at public events. The full version, which includes three stanzas, is reserved for occasions when the president is present or during national events.
Idris also noted that the last stanza of the anthem will now be used as a national prayer. This update was shared by former presidential aide Bashir Ahmed on his X handle.
Ahmed quoted the minister: “The full stanzas should only be recited when the President and Commander-In-Chief is present or during national events such as the Independence Anniversary. Lastly, the last stanza of the anthem will now serve as the national prayer, while the national pledge remains unchanged.”