Nigerian Senate passes bill to return to the old national anthem

On Tuesday, May 28, the Senate passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which aims to reinstate the original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The bill had previously undergone first and second readings and was referred to the Senate’s Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further review.

Following the committee’s report, presented by Chairman Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC – Borno North), the Senate approved the bill for a third reading.

Mohammed Monguno stressed the significance of the bill, stating that the national anthem represents the country’s history, culture, and people.

He urged the Senate to pass the bill, describing it as “apt, timely, and important.” The Senate then proceeded to consider the bill’s clauses in a committee of the whole and subsequently passed them.

Notably, the original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was adopted on October 1, 1960, but was replaced in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.

The House of Representatives had also passed the bill for a third reading last week, paving the way for its final approval.