The Kebbi State House of Assembly has passed the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, which makes medical screening mandatory for all intending couples in the state.
The bill, sponsored by the House Committee on Health, scaled through its first, second, and third readings before being formally adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman.
According to the legislation, prospective couples must undergo tests such as genotype and blood group screening at recognized health facilities not later than three months and two weeks before their wedding. A valid medical certificate, issued by a qualified doctor, will be required before any marriage can be formalized.
The bill also prescribes penalties for violators. Clerics, traditional leaders, or marriage officials who conduct weddings without verified medical certificates risk fines of up to ₦200,000 or six months’ imprisonment, while health workers who issue falsified test results face fines of ₦1 million or one year in jail.
Enforcement will be jointly handled by the ministries of health and religious affairs in partnership with community leaders, while jurisdiction over offences will rest with Chief Magistrates’ and Shari’ah Courts.
The bill will now be transmitted to Governor Nasir Idris for assent.
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