The Forgotten History of Nigeria’s National Anthem: How a British Woman Won a Prize for Writing ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee

In 1959, a British expatriate named Lillian Jean Williams wrote the lyrics to Nigeria’s national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” The federal government awarded her a prize for her contribution. Around the same time, a ballet musician named Frances Berda composed the music for the lyrics and won £1,000.

Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a bill into law reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” 48 years after it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots.” This decision has sparked interest in the history of the anthem.

Interestingly, “Nigeria We Hail Thee” was written and composed by two foreigners, which led to criticism from Nigerians who felt that the anthem should have been written and composed by Nigerians themselves. The military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo later replaced the anthem with “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.

The lyrics of “Arise, O Compatriots” were written by five Nigerians, while the music was composed by the Nigerian police band in 1990. However, with the recent signing of the National Anthem Bill 2024, “Nigeria We Hail Thee” has been reinstated as the national anthem.

A video has surfaced online showing members of the national assembly singing the old national anthem for the first time on Wednesday, May 29, alongside President Tinubu. This marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s history and a return to its roots.