Civil Society Organizations have rejected the Federal Government’s new marriage licensing policy.
Addressing a news conference in Lagos, the groups expressed dissatisfaction with the legality, motive and timing of the government’s directive.
In November 2019, the Ministry of Interior announced that places of worship would now be required to pay 51,000 naira as licensing fee before performing statutory marriages.
This has generated controversy in the Christian faith and amongst civil society groups. They insisted that the Ministry lacks the legal backing to make such a directive, adding that the move contradicts specific sections of the 1999 constitution and the Marriage Act.
The group said the federal government failed to consult with relevant key players before taking the decision. The Federal Government also came under fire for allegedly issuing the directive with the sole purpose of generating revenue.
