The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released official guidelines on the correct rendition and recitation of Nigeria’s national anthem and pledge at public and official events across the country.
In a public notice shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the agency urged Nigerians to “kindly take note of the correct protocol for the rendition and recitation of the National Anthem and Pledge.”
According to the directive, only the first stanza of the national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee…” should be sung or recited at all official functions, while the third stanza is to be rendered as the National Prayer at the beginning of such events.
The NOA explained that the complete three stanzas of the anthem are reserved for special national occasions, including Independence Day, Presidential Inauguration, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day, and the Inauguration of the National Assembly.
The agency also stated that the National Pledge should be recited at the end of every official or public event.
Reiterating the importance of national symbols, the NOA appealed to citizens to show reverence when performing them.
“Let us uphold the dignity and sanctity of our national symbols,” the statement read.
The clarification followed the signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law by President Bola Tinubu, which restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s anthem, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
The law, passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in May, sparked mixed reactions across the country with some Nigerians welcoming the return of the pre-1978 anthem for its historical significance, while others criticised it as a misplaced priority amid ongoing economic challenges.
