(2024)
SECTION 1
On the commencement of this Act, the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, which is prescribed in the Schedule to this Act.
National Anthem Schedule.
SECTION 2
1 The National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a national symbol and sign of authority. 2 All persons, individuals or corporate entities, shall respect the National Anthem and preserve the dignity of the National Anthem.
A national symbol and sign of authority.
SECTION 3
The National Anthem shall be performed and sung on the following occasions – a opening and closing ceremonies of Federal Executive Council, and State Executives Council meetings; b opening and closing of sittings of legislative houses in Nigeria; c constitutional oath-swearing ceremonies; d flag-raising ceremonies; e major celebrations, major award ceremonies, major commemorative ceremonies, national memorial ceremonies and the like, which are organised by MDAs; f major diplomatic activities; g major sporting events; and h other occasions as may be determined by the Minister responsible for education with the consent of the President.
Mandatory performance or singing of the National Anthem.
SECTION 4
The performance and singing of the National Anthem shall follow the lyrics prescribed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Prohibition of alteration of lyrics.
SECTION 5
When the National Anthem is performed or 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.
Composure when the National Anthem is performed or sung.
SECTION 6
1 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. 2 The standard and official recorded versions of the National Anthem shall be published on the website of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Standard and official recording.
SECTION 7
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.
Part of civic education.
SECTION 8
The third stanza of the National Anthem shall be the National Prayer.
The National Prayer.
SECTION 9
In this Act “National Anthem” means “Nigeria We Hail Thee”; and “MDAs” means Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.
Interpretation.
SECTION 10
This Act may be cited as the National Anthem Act, 2024.
Citation.
Section 1
NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
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.
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.
