The National Orientation Agency has issued fresh guidelines on the correct rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem and recitation of the national pledge during official and public events across the country.
In a public notice shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the agency urged Nigerians to adhere strictly to the correct protocol when singing or reciting the anthem and pledge.
According to the notice, “only the first stanza of the national anthem should be rendered at all official functions, while the third stanza is to be used as the National Prayer at the start of such events.”
The NOA further clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem are to be sung or recited only during major national ceremonies such as Independence Day, Democracy Day (June 12), Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Presidential Inaugurations, and the Inauguration of the National Assembly.
The agency also directed that the national pledge be recited at the end of every event.
Reiterating the need for citizens to show respect for the nation’s identity, the agency appealed, “Let us uphold the dignity and sanctity of our national symbols.”
The clarification follows the enactment of the National Anthem Bill 2024, signed by President Bola Tinubu, which officially restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
The law, passed by the National Assembly in May, has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians.
While some citizens commended the move for reinstating a piece of the nation’s history, others faulted the decision, describing it as misplaced given the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
