Jigawa State has made genotype testing compulsory for all intending couples as part of efforts to reduce cases of sickle cell disease.
According to Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the decision is one of several made by the State Executive Council, which also approved major spending on water supply, education and flood control.
he said Jigawa State Government has approved a new law making genotype testing compulsory for anyone planning to get married.
The move, aimed at reducing sickle cell cases, will require intending couples to present medical reports before they are granted marriage clearance by religious, traditional or civil authorities.
The decision follows a proposal by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and is part of wider efforts to improve public health in the state.
The State Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health have been directed to draft the legislation.
A sensitisation committee chaired by the Attorney-General has also been formed to raise public awareness.
The government says the policy is not meant to discourage marriage, but to help couples make informed decisions about their future.
Meanwhile, the council approved more than ₦900 million for clean water projects across the state.
This includes over ₦369 million for 38 new solar-powered water supply schemes and another ₦546 million to upgrade motorised systems in 25 small towns.
The projects are expected to benefit all 27 local government areas and are part of efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals on water and sanitation.
The Council also approved ₦549 million to support 160 medical students from Jigawa who were relocated from Sudan to continue their studies in Cyprus.
The payment includes tuition support, catch-up lessons for 100 female students, and academic transcript fees.
The students were affected by the conflict in Sudan and have since been transferred to Near East University in Cyprus.
