Federal Government Plans to Establish Additional Marriage Registries Nationwide

The Federal Government is taking significant steps to enhance the accessibility of Marriage Registries across the country, according to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The commitment to support Marriage Registries in fulfilling their mandates was recently reaffirmed through the approval of six additional registries in new locations. These registries aim to streamline the legal marriage process and provide citizens with the convenience of obtaining a recognized Federal Marriage Certificate within their respective states.

Emphasizing the government's dedication to efficient service delivery for citizens seeking legal marriage, Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed the desire to eliminate the need for extensive travel to accomplish this vital process. The six new registries are slated to be established in Asaba (Delta State), Akure (Ondo State), Ibadan (Oyo State), Jalingo (Taraba State), Uyo (Akwa-Ibom State), and Makurdi (Benue State).

This initiative, orchestrated by the Department of Citizenship and Business, aligns with the ministry's overarching goal of ensuring a high-quality administration of Federal Marriage Registries throughout the country. The integration of these new registries with the existing ones is anticipated to enhance the efficiency and seamless delivery of legal marriage processes. Full operations at these new locations are expected to commence in early March 2024.

The Ministry's Citizenship and Business Department, responsible for this strategic initiative, has already achieved significant milestones, including the automation of Federal Marriage Registries in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Owerri, and Kano since its inception.

The Citizenship and Business Department, under Ministry of Interior, is responsible for Processing and granting of Expatriate Quota requests and Business Permit; Monitoring of the implementation of the Expatriate Quota facilities by the benefitting companies in conjunction with the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS). Processing of applications from applicants for Nigerian Citizenship by Naturalization, Registration and Confirmation; Administration of Federal Marriage Registries in the country; and Processing and granting of license to worship centers for the conduct of Statutory Marriages under the Marriage Act, 1963. Over the years, the Ministry through the Department has recorded tremendous achievement since inception.