Nigeria We Hail Thee was the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from independence in 1960 until 1978, when “Arise, O Compatriots” was adopted.

Nigeria we hail thee, Our own dear native land…’, goes the old anthem. But what are the words to the rest of the old national anthem?

Who composed the old national anthem?

The lyrics to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria. The former national anthem received numerous criticisms, including the fact that its composer was not Nigerian.

What are the lyrics to Nigeria, We Hail Thee?

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, unveiled the standardised version of the anthem and urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the words in lines three and five of the national anthem that was reintroduced.

New Standardised Anthem

Stanza 1
Nigeria, we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongues may differ
In brotherhood, we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Stanza 2
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle, honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.

Stanza 3
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request.
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.