4.4 National Symbols: Flag, Coat of Arms, Anthem & Pledge
Key Takeaways
- The Nigerian flag was designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi; Green symbolizes rich agriculture and White symbolizes peace and unity.
- The Coat of Arms features a Black Shield (fertile soil), Silver 'Y' (confluence of Niger and Benue), Two White Horses (dignity and strength), and a Red Eagle (national strength).
- In May 2024, Nigeria re-adopted its original 1960 national anthem, 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee', written by Lillian Jean Williams.
- The National Pledge was written in 1976 by Professor Felicia Adebola Adedoyin to instil patriot loyalty in Nigerian citizens.
- The national motto on the Coat of Arms is 'Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress', officially updated in 1978.
National Symbols: Flag, Coat of Arms, Anthem & Pledge
National symbols are official emblems that represent Nigeria's sovereignty, history, values, and unity. For candidates taking the Nigeria Police Force recruitment test, questions on national symbols—such as designer names, heraldic meanings, lyrics, and dates—are among the most frequently examined topics.
The National Flag
Nigeria's national flag is the primary visual symbol of national sovereignty.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (a 23-year-old engineering student at Norwood Technical College in London) who entered a national competition in 1959. |
| Original Design | Akinkunmi's original submission contained a red radiating sun on the middle white band. The competition judges removed the red sun. |
| Official Adoption | October 1, 1960 (Independence Day). |
| Pattern & Colors | Three equal vertical bands of Green, White, Green. |
| Symbolic Meaning | Green Bands: Represent Nigeria's vast agricultural natural wealth, fertile soils, and forests.<br/>White Band: Represents national peace, unity, and purity. |
Flag Protocols and Flag Law
- Under the Flags and Coats of Arms Act (1960), it is a criminal offence to fly a dirty, frayed, or torn national flag.
- When hoisted alongside other non-national flags, the Nigerian flag must occupy the central or highest position.
- The flag is flown at half-mast only upon official presidential proclamation to mark periods of national mourning.
The National Coat of Arms
Nigeria's Coat of Arms is the official heraldic seal of state authority. Each component has a precise symbolic meaning:
| Heraldic Component | Description | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Black Shield | Central black protective shield | Represents Nigeria's fertile black soil and land wealth. |
| Silver 'Y' Band | Wavy silver charge splitting the shield | Represents the confluence of River Niger and River Benue at Lokoja. |
| Two White Horses | Supporters on left and right of shield | Represent dignity, pride, and strength. |
| Red Eagle | Perched atop the crest above the helmet | Represents national strength, power, and vigilance. |
| Green & White Wreath (Torse) | Ring situated at the base of the eagle | Represents the agricultural wealth and natural beauty of Nigeria. |
| Costus Spectabilis (Yellow Wild Flowers) | Flowers scattered on the grassy base (vert) | Represent Nigeria's national flower (Costus Spectabilis), wild flowers growing across all regions. |
| National Motto Banner | Scroll at the base of the Coat of Arms | Inscribed: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress". |
Historical Note on National Motto: Prior to 1978, the motto on the Coat of Arms was "Peace, Unity, Freedom". It was officially changed in 1978 under the military administration of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo to "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress".
The National Anthem
Nigeria has used two national anthems in its post-independence history:
Re-adoption of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" (May 2024)
On May 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the National Anthem Act 2024, which repealed the 1978 anthem (Arise, O Compatriots) and officially re-adopted Nigeria's original independence anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".
- Lyrics Written By: Lillian Jean Williams (a British expatriate residing in Nigeria at independence).
- Music Composed By: Frances Berda.
- Original Adoption: October 1, 1960.
Full Official Lyrics of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"
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 unto 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.
The Intermediary Anthem: "Arise, O Compatriots" (1978 – 2024)
Adopted on October 1, 1978, under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. The lyrics were compiled from five winning entries in a national competition (John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Nigam, S.A. Odiase, and P.O. Aderibigbe), with music arranged by the Nigerian Police Band under Benedict Odiase.
The National Pledge
Nigeria's National Pledge is recited in schools and public ceremonies immediately following the National Anthem.
- Author: Professor Felicia Adebola Adedoyin written in September 1976.
- Official Introduction: Introduced in 1976 by the military government of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo to instill patriotic loyalty and civic responsibility among young citizens.
Official Text of the National Pledge
"I pledge to Nigeria my country To be faithful, loyal and honest To serve Nigeria with all my strength To defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory So help me God."
The National Currency: Naira and Kobo
- Introduction Date: January 1, 1973, replacing the Nigerian Pound (£).
- Key Architect: Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Federal Commissioner for Finance under Gen. Gowon), who named the currency by abbreviating NIG-ERIA into NAIRA.
- Subdivision: 1 Naira = 100 Kobo.
- Issuing Authority: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN, established by the CBN Act of 1958).
Portraits on Naira Banknotes
- ₦5 Note: Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Nigeria's first Prime Minister).
- ₦10 Note: Dr. Alvan Ikoku (Prominent Nigerian educator).
- ₦20 Note: General Murtala Muhammed (Former Military Head of State). Note: First Nigerian banknote to feature a national hero's portrait (1977).
- ₦50 Note: Peoples of Nigeria (Representing cultural diversity, plus traditional fishermen).
- ₦100 Note: Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Premier of Western Region).
- ₦200 Note: Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto & Premier of Northern Region).
- ₦500 Note: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (First President of Nigeria).
- ₦1000 Note: Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Borneu and Dr. Clement Isong (First two indigenous Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria).
What do the two white horses supporting the shield on Nigeria's Coat of Arms symbolize?
The original national anthem 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee', which was re-adopted by Nigeria in May 2024, was originally written in 1960 by:
What official change was made to the national motto on Nigeria's Coat of Arms in 1978?