The Federal Government has told citizens to seek permission before using the country’s national anthem. This was stated this through the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu.

Issa-Onilu, in a statement released on Wednesday, said it is now compulsory to seek permission before the use of the Nigeria Anthem to avoid misinterpretation.

He said the agency as the custodian of national symbols, will issue correct melodies of the National Anthem. He also advocated that those who produce national flags or use them for commercial advertisement purposes should obtain the correct versions from NOA.

“As custodians of Nigeria’s national symbols, the NOA is tasked with preventing all forms of misuse. The DG emphasised that permission be sought from the Agency before using the Anthem to avoid misrepresentation.”the statement read.

Also, Issa-Onilu noted that the Nigerian flag is simply green, white and green with correct shade of green being Emerald 2.0.