Sing only first stanza at official events’ - NOA issues guide on reciting national anthem

-SEB EDITORIAL-

National Orientation Agency Issues New Guidelines on National Anthem Recitation

In a move aimed at standardizing the ceremonial use of Nigeria’s national anthem, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a formal directive mandating that only the first stanza of the anthem be sung at official events.

This announcement, made public on Thursday, October 16, 2025, is part of a broader effort to instill uniformity, solemnity, and respect in the rendition of national symbols during public functions.

According to the NOA’s four-point guideline, the directive applies to all government ministries, departments, and agencies, which are now required to adhere strictly to the new protocol.

The agency emphasized that the full three stanzas of the anthem are no longer to be sung routinely at public events. Instead, the singing should be limited to the first stanza, which is deemed sufficient for most official occasions.

In a notable addition to the ceremonial structure, the NOA designated the third stanza of the anthem as the official “National Prayer.” This stanza, known for its reflective and solemn tone, is now to be recited at the beginning of events, serving as a spiritual invocation for national unity and purpose.

The agency clarified that the complete rendition of all three stanzas is now reserved exclusively for significant national ceremonies. These include Independence Day celebrations, the inauguration of the President, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day (June 12), and the inauguration of the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the NOA instructed that the National Pledge should be recited at the conclusion of official events, thereby framing such gatherings with both a prayerful beginning and a patriotic end. This structured approach is intended to reinforce civic values and national identity among citizens.

The directive follows the reintroduction of Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025. The anthem replaced “Arise, O Compatriots,” which had been in use since 1978. The change sparked widespread public debate, with critics questioning the necessity and timing of the switch. Nonetheless, the administration defended the move as a reaffirmation of national heritage and a call to service.

The NOA’s latest guidelines are seen as an extension of this policy shift, aiming to ensure that the anthem’s use aligns with the values of discipline, unity, and national pride.

By codifying when and how each part of the anthem should be used, the agency hopes to eliminate inconsistencies and foster a deeper appreciation for the anthem’s message.