By Ken Afor
The Nigerian Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, paving the way for a reversion to the country’s former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The New Diplomat reports that the bill swiftly sailed through the first and second readings last Thursday, May 23, in the House of Representatives, and now awaits the assent of President Bola Tinubu to become law.
Sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, representing Owan West/East Federal Constituency Edo State, the bill passed its first and second readings, committee considerations, and was approved at the Committee of the Whole before being passed for its third reading at the plenary session.
According to the new law, upon its commencement, the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as prescribed in the schedule accompanying the bill.
Significantly, the bill stipulates that the national anthem shall be a national symbol and sign of authority, and all persons, individuals, or corporate entities shall respect the national anthem and preserve its dignity.
The national anthem shall be performed and sung on occasions, such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and State Executives Council (SEC) meetings, the opening and closing of sittings of Legislative Houses in Nigeria, and constitutional oath-swearing ceremonies.
Other occasions include major celebrations, major award ceremonies, major commemorative ceremonies, national memorial ceremonies organised by MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies), major diplomatic activities, major sporting events, and other occasions as may be determined by the minister responsible for education, with the consent of the President.
Furthermore, the law states that the performance and singing of the national anthem shall follow the lyrics prescribed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Also, the law prescribes that when the national anthem is performed and sung, “(a) those present shall stand and deport respectfully, and
(b) at flag-raising ceremonies, those present shall face the flag, and uniformed military personnel, Police and other Security personnel are to give a hand salute, and other persons are to look on in respect.
“The Ministry responsible for information shall organise the review and approval of the standard for performance of the national anthem, and record the official recording of the national anthem to be played.
“The standard and official recorded versions of the national anthem shall be published on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s website.
“Primary and Secondary schools shall make the lyrics of the national anthem part of the civic education, and organise pupils and students to learn the national anthem. The second stanza of the former national anthem shall be the national prayer.”
