The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved significant changes to Nigeria’s national symbols, including the adoption of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the country’s official National Prayer.
This decision was made during the FEC meeting held on Monday, September 23, 2024, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
As part of the resolutions, the FEC approved a memo from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to restore the dignity and standardisation of key national symbols such as the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, and National Pledge.
According to the Council, the first stanza of the National Anthem will now be used for all official functions, while the three stanzas will be reserved for special occasions like Independence Day, Democracy Day, and Children’s Day, among others.
In addition, the Council endorsed the use of the third stanza of the National Anthem as the official National Prayer, replacing the previous version. This move is aimed at reinforcing national unity and a collective sense of purpose.
Furthermore, the FEC approved the unveiling of a National Values Charter, which will promote key moral and ethical standards across the country, in line with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s objectives.
These reforms are seen as part of broader efforts by the government to uphold national identity and promote unity across the diverse regions of the country.
In addition to the national symbols, the Federal Executive Council also approved the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund to address the ongoing flooding crisis in several parts of the country, including Maiduguri, where nearly 50% of the city was affected. The fund will be supported by a portion of the Federation Account revenue and private sector contributions.
Furthermore, the Council greenlit the formation of a technical committee to conduct integrity tests on dams across the nation, particularly the Alau Dam, to prevent future flooding and strengthen the country’s infrastructure.
On the economic front, the FEC passed the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which are designed to reform tax policies and boost the economy. These bills include provisions for tax reliefs for companies creating jobs, an increase in personal income tax relief for employees, and the suspension of specific taxes on small businesses and vulnerable populations. The bills will now be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative approval.
Key infrastructure projects were also given the go-ahead, including the construction of a 258-kilometre superhighway from Sokoto to Kebbi and the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway. Other approved projects include road rehabilitation in Kogi, Cross River, and Lagos states, as well as repairs to the Third Mainland Bridge and Adeniji-Falomo Roads.
Additionally, the FEC approved contracts for several road and bridge projects in the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at improving infrastructure in the nation’s capital and its satellite towns.
