Nigeria’s Former National Anthem Lyrics in English

In one of our old posts, we wrote on how to recite the present Nigerian National Anthem and who composed it. This time, we are going to write out the lyrics of the first Nigerian national anthem–“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in English Language. The lyrics of this anthem as written by Lillian Jean Williams, a Briton who resided in the country then.

Nigeria’s flag

What most people don’t know is that Nigeria already had a former national anthem in which was used during the colonial era before she finally got her independence on March 1, 1960. This Nigeria’s old national anthem is part of her history.

For record purposes, especially for generation yet unborn and for those who appreciate the Nigerian culture and sufferings of our heroes past below are the original lyrics of the old national anthem:

NIGERIA FORMER NATIONAL ANTHEM LYRICS IN ENGLISH

Stanza 1

Nigeria we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood we stand,

Nigerians all, and proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.

Stanza 2

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour’d,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.

Stanza 3

O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

March God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria