NATIONAL ANTHEM ACT

What Is This Policy?

The National Anthem Act 2024 restored the original post-independence anthem 'Nigeria We Hail Thee' as the official national anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, replacing 'Arise O Compatriots' which had served as the anthem from 1978. President Bola Tinubu signed the Bill on Democracy Day, May 29, 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of Nigeria's unbroken democratic rule.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerian citizens, public institutions, schools, and military and paramilitary forces required to perform or play the national anthem Broadcasters, event organisers, and educational institutions responsible for public use of the anthem The creative and entertainment industry in adapting official performances and recordings

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Restore the original national anthem composed at independence in 1960 to symbolise a return to the founding ideals of the Nigerian nation Mark the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria with a symbolic legislative milestone Promote national identity, patriotism, and unity through the use of an anthem rooted in Nigeria's independence heritage

Key Features

Original 1960 Anthem Restored: The anthem 'Nigeria We Hail Thee', composed by Lillian Jean Williams and originally adopted at independence in October 1960, is now the official national anthem Replaced 1978 Anthem: 'Arise O Compatriots', which replaced the original in 1978 during the military era, has been legally repealed Mandatory Performances: All official ceremonies, government events, schools, military occasions, and national broadcasts must use the restored anthem from June 1, 2024 Copyright Status: The anthem is in the public domain; official recordings are managed by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; implemented immediately from June 1, 2024 Implementing Body: Office of the President; Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; Ministry of Education for school adoption Transition: All schools, government buildings, and broadcasters received official copies of the restored anthem and new ceremonial guidelines

How to Access

Schools: Download the official score, lyrics, and audio recording of the national anthem from education.gov.ng or tourismculture.gov.ng Broadcasters and Event Organisers: Request official recordings from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy for use at public events Contact: Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy: tourismculture.gov.ng

Official Resources

Website: statehouse.gov.ng | tourismculture.gov.ng Lyrics: 'Nigeria We Hail Thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand' Policy Summary | Source: State House Nigeria, Channels TV, Punch Nigeria, Vanguard, Nigerian Senate Records 2024 | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Anthem Act 2024 is enacted under the authority of the National Assembly pursuant to Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants legislative power for peace, order, and good government. The Act operates alongside the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (which designates national symbols) and the National Flag, Coat of Arms and Public Seal Act. The return to the original independence anthem was also a symbolic legislative decision supported by Section 3(3) of the Constitution on Nigerian cultural identity.