National anthem of Nigeria lyrics new version searches increased after Nigeria restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as its official national anthem in 2024. President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29, 2024, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots”, which Nigeria used from 1978.
National Anthem of Nigeria Lyrics New Version
The new national anthem of Nigeria lyrics in English are:
Nigeria, We Hail Thee
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribes and tongues may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle, honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request.
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
History of Nigeria’s National Anthem From 1960 to 2024
Nigeria has used two national anthems since independence.
In 1960, Nigeria adopted “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as its first national anthem after gaining independence from British colonial rule.
However, in 1978, Nigeria replaced the anthem with “Arise, O Compatriots” after a national competition invited Nigerians to submit new anthem entries.
In 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill into law, restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as Nigeria’s national anthem.
Nigeria New National Anthem 2024
The Nigeria new national anthem 2024 is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. Nigeria first used the anthem after gaining independence on October 1, 1960, before it replaced it with “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Furthermore, the restored anthem became the official national anthem after the National Assembly passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 and the President assented to it.
Who Wrote Nigeria, We Hail Thee Lyrics?
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during the independence period, wrote the lyrics of Nigeria’s new national anthem. Frances Berda composed the m
The anthem was Nigeria’s first national anthem after independence in 1960 and remained in use until 1978. You can see the person who designed the Nigeria flag too.
Old National Anthem of Nigeria Lyrics
Before the return of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, Nigeria used “Arise, O Compatriots” as its national anthem from 1978 to 2024.
The old national anthem lyrics went thus:
Stanza 1
Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
Stanza 2
Oh God of creation,
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Five Nigerians — P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan and B. A. Ogunnaike — wrote the old anthem, while Benedict Odiase composed the music.
Difference Between Nigeria’s Old and New National Anthem
| Feature | Nigeria, We Hail Thee | Arise, O Compatriots |
| Status | Current national anthem | Former national anthem |
| Introduced | 1960 | 1978 |
| Restored | 2024 | Replaced in 2024 |
| Lyrics writer | Lillian Jean Williams | Five Nigerian contributors |
| Music composer | Frances Berda | Benedict Odiase |
Why Did Nigeria Change Its National Anthem?
Nigeria changed its national anthem after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law. The law restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” and replaced “Arise, O Compatriots”.
The National Orientation Agency later released the approved version of the restored anthem lyrics.
Nigeria National Anthem Lyrics: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new national anthem of Nigeria called?
The new national anthem of Nigeria is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
When was the new Nigerian national anthem introduced?
Nigeria officially restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” on May 29, 2024.
Is “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” a new song?
No. “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was first adopted in 1960 after Nigeria gained independence and was restored in 2024.
Who wrote the lyrics of Nigeria’s new national anthem?
Lillian Jean Williams wrote the lyrics of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. Frances Berda composed the music.
