The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has released fresh guidelines on how Nigeria’s national anthem should be performed at public functions.
According to the new directive, only the first stanza of the anthem is to be sung during official events across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, the agency explained that the decision aims to promote uniformity, order, and respect for Nigeria’s national symbols.
Government ministries, departments, and agencies have been instructed to strictly comply with the new rule going forward.
The NOA also urged organizers of public events to maintain decorum and solemnity whenever the anthem is rendered, noting that all three stanzas will now be reserved for major national ceremonies only.
Third Stanza Declared National Prayer
The updated directive further designates the third stanza of the anthem as Nigeria’s official national prayer.
Known for its reflective tone, the stanza is now to be recited at the start of all official gatherings before any other proceedings.
“The third stanza should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of an event,” the agency stated, adding that the national pledge will continue to be recited at the end of events.
Full Anthem for Major National Occasions
The NOA clarified that the full version of the anthem comprising all three stanzas will only be sung at special national events such as:
- Independence Day celebrations
- Armed Forces Remembrance Day
- Democracy Day
- Presidential inaugurations
- Swearing-in ceremonies of the National Assembly
The agency stressed that the move is intended to preserve the dignity of the anthem and align its use with official ceremonial standards.
This update follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier approval of the return to Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The NOA said the new protocol would ensure consistency and proper observance of the anthem in line with Nigeria’s patriotic values and national identity.