The Federal Government has announced new rules for reciting the Nigerian national anthem, specifying that only the first stanza should be sung at official occasions, effective immediately.
In a statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, Nigerians were informed that the traditional practice of singing all three stanzas at formal events will be replaced by singing only the first stanza. The third stanza, will now serve as the National Prayer at the start of such events.
The guidelines stated that all three stanzas of the anthem will be reserved for special national occasions, including Independence Day, Presidential Inaugurations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the inauguration of the National Assembly.
This move follows the reintroduction of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2024. The old anthem replaced “Arise, O Compatriots,” which had been in use since 1978.
Dr. Ladi Usman, a cultural historian, said;
Bringing back the old anthem is a nod to our heritage, and this new singing protocol might help young people appreciate the depth of the national symbols
The new guidelines are expected to be implemented immediately across all federal and state government functions nationwide. Officials encourage Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the changes and uphold the anthem’s dignity in everyday settings.
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