Nigeria Reverts to Colonial National Anthem Amid Economic Challenges

In a controversial move, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill that reinstates “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the national anthem, replacing “Arise O Compatriots.” The change, made without significant public consultation, has stirred a broad spectrum of reactions across the nation, coming at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic issues.

This decision comes as Nigeria’s economy faces escalating challenges during President Tinubu’s tenure, with inflation reaching a 28-year high of 33.20%. Critics argue that the timing and priority of the anthem change distract from more pressing national issues such as economic instability and security concerns.

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“Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” originally composed by a British expatriate, was the national anthem at Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and was used until 1978. It was replaced by “Arise O Compatriots” following a decision by then-military head of state Olusegun Obasanjo, partly due to the colonial origins of the former anthem.

The reinstatement of the old anthem has been criticised by several sectors of society as a step backward, focusing on symbolic changes rather than addressing substantive economic and social crises. Cheta Nwanze from SBM Intelligence remarked that the government’s priorities should be on tackling inflation and security issues rather than on changing the national anthem.

Social media and public discourse reveal a mixed reception to the new law. While some view it as a nod to Nigeria’s heritage and identity, others see it as regressive and irrelevant to the nation’s current challenges. Critics like former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, have vocally opposed the change, emphasising that it is a distraction from the urgent needs of the country.

Despite the backlash, some supporters believe the old anthem evokes a deeper sense of nationalism and historical continuity. However, the majority sentiment appears to question the timing and necessity of the change, highlighting a disconnect between the government’s actions and the populace’s priorities.

The rapid approval and implementation of the bill, marked by an absence of legislative debate or public hearing, have also raised concerns about the legislative process’s transparency and responsiveness to public sentiment.

As Nigeria navigates through this symbolic change amid economic turbulence and social unrest, the focus remains on how the government will address the underlying issues facing Africa’s most populous nation. The anthem change, while significant culturally, underscores the broader challenges of governance and public policy in Nigeria.