The Kebbi State House of Assembly has passed into law the Kebbi State Free Marital Examination Bill 2025 (Bill No. KBHA/003/2025), aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting responsible marriages across the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, described the legislation as a landmark step in protecting the health of future generations.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Abubakar Aminu Gulumbe, explained that the law makes it mandatory for intending couples to undergo medical tests before obtaining a marriage certificate, which must be presented to Imams or pastors before any wedding is solemnised.
According to him, the measure will help prevent communicable diseases, curb negative social outcomes, and ensure healthier marriages.
The law also prescribes penalties for offenders. Medical practitioners who issue fake certificates face up to one year imprisonment or a fine of ₦1 million, while clergy members and couples who conduct or enter into marriage without the required certificate risk six months imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.
In addition to the marital health law, the Assembly also considered two other executive bills which scaled second reading. They are the Kebbi State Local Government Contributory Pension Bill 2025 (Bill No. KBHA/004/2025), designed to enhance the welfare of local government workers, and the Kebbi State Information Technology Agency Establishment Bill 2025 (Bill No. KBHA/005/2025), which seeks to drive technological innovation and digital development in the state.
Lawmakers said the passage of these bills underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, strengthening social welfare, and advancing technology for the overall well-being of citizen.
