Alaro of Nigeria
In a significant legislative move, the Senate has joined the House of Representatives in passing a bill to change Nigeria’s current National Anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” back to the country’s old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This proposed legislation is officially titled the “National Anthem Bill, 2024.”
The bill successfully passed its third reading after the upper chamber reviewed the report from its joint Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Federal Character, and Inter-Government Affairs.
During a public hearing on Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, advised federal lawmakers to conduct broader consultations before advancing the bill. Despite this advice, the bill moved forward rapidly. It was read for the first and second times last Thursday in both chambers, with the House of Representatives accelerating its passage through all three readings.
In the Senate, the bill passed its second reading and was subsequently referred by Presiding Officer Godswill Akpabio to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.
If the bill receives President Bola Tinubu’s assent, it will mark the first time Nigeria’s national anthem is legally codified. Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the committee and representative of Borno North, presented the committee’s report during the plenary session. He emphasized that the bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the national anthem, enhancing its authority and significance.
Senator Monguno argued that the bill does not require extensive citizen participation through zonal public hearings or resolutions from the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies. Instead, it only needs to be read three times following a public hearing.
Monguno further highlighted that the new national anthem aligns with Nigeria’s people, culture, values, and aspirations, stating, “The bill is in tandem with the spirit of unity. It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity.”
He recommended the passage of the bill, noting its importance as a representation of Nigeria’s history, culture, and people. “The proposed bill is apt, timely, and important,” Monguno concluded.
Presiding Officer Akpabio remarked that the Attorney General might not fully grasp the legislative process for passing bills. Following this, the bill was read for the third time and subsequently passed.
This historic legislative action underscores the Senate’s commitment to promoting unity and cultural heritage through the nation’s symbolic anthem.
