The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has unveiled a new directive regarding the rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem at public events.

In a recent announcement, the agency specified that only the first stanza of the anthem should be sung during official functions nationwide.

This clarification, released on Thursday, October 16, aims to foster uniformity and uphold the respectability of national symbols, as stated by the NOA.

The directive mandates strict compliance from government ministries, departments, and agencies, ensuring consistency in its implementation.

Additionally, the agency called on organizers of formal programs to preserve the decorum and solemnity traditionally associated with the anthem, with the full three stanzas reserved for special national ceremonies.

Third stanza adopted as national prayer

In the updated guideline, the NOA announced that the third stanza of the anthem has been designated as Nigeria’s national prayer.

The stanza, known for its solemn and reflective tone, is to be recited at the beginning of official events before any other activity takes place.

The agency explained that this adjustment aligns with the spirit of patriotism and unity that the anthem represents. “The third stanza should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of an event,” the statement read.

Officials added that the recitation of the national pledge would continue to hold at the end of events, preserving the symbolic sequence of national expressions.

Full anthem reserved for national ceremonies

The NOA’s circular also clarified that the complete three stanzas of the anthem will only be sung during major national occasions.

These include Independence Day celebrations, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy Day, the inauguration of the President, and the swearing-in of the National Assembly.

The statement emphasised that the aim of the new directive is not to reduce the importance of the anthem but to maintain its sanctity by aligning its use with ceremonial protocols.

The development comes months after President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill reintroducing the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The NOA said the guidelines are meant to ensure consistency and proper observance of the anthem in line with national values.