NOA Unveils Updated National Anthem Words (Full Text)

Newly standardized lyrics for the national anthem are released by NOA

The standardized rendition of the restored national anthem has been unveiled by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

This anthem, which was first written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams, was in use from 1960 until 1978.

As you may remember, President Bola Tinubu signed a bill into law in May restoring the ancient national song. Since then, several renditions of the anthem have been released.

In response, on Wednesday, June 5, the NOA published a standardized version to control the several variants that have surfaced.

The newly released words to the national anthem can be found below: 

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.

Prior to recently, President Tinubu has stated that his main priority has always been to have the former national anthem played again.

He declared that he must abide by the law since it was passed by the National Assembly and reinstates the former national anthem.