In a historic move, President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, reinstating “Nigeria We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem.
Tinubu’s decision marks a return to the original anthem used since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, which was later replaced by the military regime in 1978.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the news on Wednesday at a joint session of the National Assembly, commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and the president’s first anniversary in office. The event aimed to launch the new National Anthem, with the President confirming the change upon his arrival.
Lawmakers and visitors were encouraged by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives to download the new National Anthem, which was initially introduced in 1960.
Tinubu led the joint session in singing the reinstated anthem, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s history. Akpabio said: “This morning, Mr President signed into an Act of Parliament, the newly passed National Anthem 2024.”
