The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), a civil society organization representing legal professionals, has announced plans to challenge the recently passed National Anthem Act, 2024, through legal action at the Federal High Court.
The legislation, which restored the former national anthem “Nigeria we hail thee,” faces opposition from ALDRAP, citing procedural irregularities and constitutional concerns. ALDRAP Secretary Tonye Jaja highlighted the absence of a public hearing, a crucial step mandated by Section 60 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as well as the lack of public input similar to that solicited during the enactment of the previous national anthem in 1978.
In a statement released on Friday, ALDRAP outlined its grounds for contesting the law, asserting that the bill’s transmission process from the President to the National Assembly was flawed and that associated expenditures were not included in the federal budget.
ALDRAP argues that the implementation of the new national anthem would impose a financial burden on citizens, including expenses for updating official documents and other related costs, without commensurate increases in income.
Citing legal precedent, particularly the case of Attorney-General of Bendel State vs. Attorney-General of the Federation (1981), ALDRAP contends that any law failing to adhere to constitutional legislative procedures should be deemed null and void.
Named respondents in the lawsuit include the President of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government officials.
The National Anthem Act, 2024, signed into law by President Tinubu on May 29, reinstated “Nigeria we hail thee” as the country’s official anthem.
