The Senate has approved a bill to revert to the country’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, replacing the current one, “Arise O Compatriots.”
The “National Anthem Bill, 2024” received its third reading after the Senate considered reports from its committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, Legal Matters, Federal Character, and Inter-Governmental Affairs on Tuesday.
READ ALSO: Senate Begins Public Hearing on New National Anthem Bill
Despite concerns from stakeholders, including the Auditor-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who advocated for wider consultation and cautioned against hasty passage, the Senate passed the bill.
The legislation had accelerated hearings in both the Senate and House of Representatives, with the latter passing it through first, second, and third readings.
Once transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent, the bill will give Nigeria’s national anthem legal backing for the first time if signed into law.
Stay tuned for more details…
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