A video showing President Bola Tinubu and ministers singing Nigeria's former national anthem, "Arise, O Compatriots," at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has sparked confusion and debate online. The footage, which went viral on social media, captures the moment Tinubu arrived at the meeting venue, greeted members with "good afternoon," and then joined them in reciting the old anthem.
Background: The national anthem change
Nigeria's official national anthem was changed in 2024 when President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, restoring "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" as the country's anthem. This replaced "Arise, O Compatriots," which had been in use since 1978. The change marked a return to the independence-era anthem adopted in 1960.
The video, posted by Sahara Reporters on July 7, 2026, shows the FEC members standing and singing the former anthem, leading many Nigerians to question why the old anthem was used at an official government gathering more than a year after the switch.
Reactions and unanswered questions
The video has generated widespread reactions online, with Nigerians debating the significance of the moment. Some speculate it may have been an oversight or a protocol error, while others question whether it was intentional. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not provided an official explanation for the use of "Arise, O Compatriots" at the FEC meeting.
According to the National Anthem Bill 2024, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" is the official anthem, and its lyrics are to be used at all official government functions. The use of the former anthem has raised concerns about adherence to the law and the consistency of protocol within the government.
Historical context
"Arise, O Compatriots" was adopted in 1978, replacing "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" which had been the anthem since independence in 1960. The restoration of the older anthem in 2024 was seen as a move to reconnect with the country's founding heritage. However, the recent incident suggests that the transition may not be fully implemented across all government activities.
The video continues to circulate on social media, with many users calling for clarity from the presidency. Some have pointed out that the FEC meeting is a high-level government session, and the use of the wrong anthem could be seen as a diplomatic or procedural error.
No official statement yet
As of now, no official statement has been released by the presidency or the FEC regarding the incident. The lack of explanation has fueled further speculation and criticism online. Nigerians are watching closely to see how the government will address the situation.
The incident highlights the ongoing adjustments following the anthem change and the importance of protocol in official government functions. It remains to be seen whether this was a one-time mistake or a sign of deeper issues in the implementation of the new anthem.
