Nigerian President Tinubu Signs Bill Reintroducing Old National Anthem

President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Anthem Bill 2024, which reinstates the old national anthem, NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria's 4th Republic and the first anniversary of President Tinubu's administration. 

President Tinubu confirmed NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE as the latest national anthem. The joint session, convened primarily to launch the new anthem, was informed that President Tinubu would not deliver a speech as he had to attend the launch of the Abuja metro line. The legislation to change the national anthem was previously passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. With President Tinubu's signing of the bill, the old anthem, composed in 1960, has replaced ARISE, OH COMPATRIOTS. Written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE played a crucial role in fostering Nigeria's national identity and unity during the 1960s and 1970s.