Lifestyle

Civil Marriage in Nigeria: How To Get Legally Hitched In Africa’s Most Populous Country

Civil marriage in Nigeria is gradually becoming very popular amongst a growing population with less inclinations to religion and its conservatism.

Civil marriage in Nigeria is very important because it is recognized by the law and also serves as an evidence of a marriage contract between a couple.

Before having a civil wedding, there are some vital things you need to know that will prepare you for the process and guide your decisions.

Legal marriage is protected under the Marriage Act, Chapter 218 of Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. There are two main marriage registries in Nigeria which are:

1. Federal Marriage Registries:

LAGOS – Ikoyi Registry (covers all those resident in Lagos, South-South, South East and South West)
ABUJA – Wuse 2 (covers all those resident in the Northern region)

2. All States have various Registries at the State and Local Government level.

Whichever kind of marriage registry you choose, the process involved in having a civil wedding follows the same guidelines which have been summarized below:

Filing of marriage notice:

Once you have decided to have a civil wedding, the intending bride or groom will obtain a form from their registry of choice to indicate their intention to marry. The form is a
You will also need to submit two coloured passport photographs.
The form is then posted on the

After the expiration of the notice and payment of the Prescribed Fee (this differs at each registry), the Registrar would issue a Form C after the following criteria has been met and satisfied:

That one of the parties has been resident within the district in which the marriage is intended to be celebrated.
That each of the parties to the intended marriage (not being a widower or widow) is twenty-one years old, and if under that age, the consent hereinafter made requisite has been obtained in writing and is annexed to such affidavit (meaning you have to get written permission/consent from the bride-to-be’s parent or legal guardian).
That there is not any impediment of kindred or affinity, or any other lawful hindrance to the marriage
That neither of the parties to the intended marriage is married by customary law to any person other than the person with whom such marriage is proposed to be contracted.

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Once the requirements mentioned above have been confirmed, the couple would swear an affidavit before the registrar or recognized minister of religion. During the sworn affidavit, the registrar would reiterate the above Prohibitive degrees and also explain the penalties involved.

Failure to disclose a breach in any of the above makes the defaulter liable to two years imprisonment.

Thereafter, the Registrar signs a declaration/affidavit to show that the couple understands the implications under the law and have met and satisfied all that has been required of them.

Upon proof that there is no lawful impediment to the proposed marriage, and that the necessary consent, if any, to such marriage has been obtained, the Minister will dispense with the giving of notice, issue the certificate, and grant his/her license, known as Form D, authorizing the celebration of a marriage between the parties named in such license.

The couple then selects a date for the wedding, usually within three months from the date the notice was placed with the registry.

Also Read: Love, an important ingredient for marital success

On the wedding day, the couple alongside their family members and friends would go to the registry to finalize the marriage proceedings. There would be other couples that will also show up for their own celebration, and as such each couple is given a specific time that must be adhered to.

The ceremony is usually not longer than 30 minutes. During the proceedings, the Registrar would print the marriage certificates in duplicate and with counterfoils as in the FORM E. The officiating minister will fill up in duplicate a marriage certificate with the particulars required by Form E, and enter in the counterfoil the number of the certificate, the date of the marriage, names of the parties, and the names of the witnesses.

The certificate will then be signed in duplicate by the officiating minister, by the parties, and by two or more witnesses to the marriage. The minister having also signed his name to the counterfoil will deliver one certificate to the parties, and within seven days, thereafter file the same in his office.

Every Registrar will then register the marriage in a book called the Marriage Register Book, every certificate of marriage filed in his office according to the FORM F… and viola! You’re married!

The civil marriage in Nigeria is by far the cheapest among the other types of marriage ceremonies in Nigeria, though it has got a longer procedure and all criteria must be met.

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Related Topics:How to get married legally in Nigeria

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Entertainment

Davido announces white wedding date with Chioma

Nigerian music superstar Davido has officially revealed plans for a white wedding with his wife, Chioma, which will be held in Miami this August.
During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Davido compared Nigerian marriage customs to those in the United States, noting how family dynamics often play a significant role in African unions.

He said,

Back home, the culture in some households is, for example, that a lot of men grew up with their mum so she’s everything. You know those kinds of households that even if they get married, they can’t leave their mum, she must be in the house. So anything the husband does right or wrong, she’s supporting the husband.

The singer, who previously held a lavish traditional wedding in Nigeria, shared the update while reflecting on cultural differences and the intense public attention surrounding their relationship.

He added,

That’s the mentality in Nigeria: the same thing is for women, they must always support their daughters. Meanwhile, in America, it is just the man and woman who get married. In Nigeria, you never really leave that family. Have you seen a Nigerian wedding?

He went on to recall how his traditional wedding turned into a nationwide celebration and how the white wedding in August 2025 would be a continuation.

I’m having my white wedding in Miami in August. The wedding I did was traditional, it was like a carnival in Nigeria, like a holiday. The whole world stood still. Me and my wife’s relationship was in the public eye, especially after I did that one song. So a lot of things happened. Even apart from losing our child, I messed up a lot of times so that full circle moment everyone was like finally she can get what she deserves.

The 32-year-old Atlanta-born Grammy nominee also added that his wife is the best because she keeps her affairs private.

My wife, you can never see her go to any interview or take a phone to say ‘oh, my husband did this’ or see her go on live — like the normal things. And I appreciate her for that because she could.

The effervescent singer went on to say that no one is perfect, and he would be lying if he said they are.

Entertainment

King Charles Reveals His 17 track Playlist With Davido’s Song Making The Cut

Nigerian five-time Grammy nominee Davido is one of the artists whose songs are on King Charles III’s 17-track playlist, which was recently launched on Apple Music.

Speaking on the song’s inclusion, the King stated that he loves pidgin English while recalling his admirable attempt to make a speech in Nigerian pidgin English when he last visited the West African country.

The hitmaker is the only Nigerian on the list, and he’s joined by late South African music legend Mariam Makeba, whose song ‘The Click Song’ also made the playlist.

‘Kante,’ featuring Fave, is one of the hit songs from Davido’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Timeless,’ released in 2023. The album enjoyed commercial success and set several streaming and charting records.

Speaking on the playlist, the English monarch stated that he wanted to share the songs that have brought him joy.

“I wanted to share with you songs which have brought me joy. They evoke many different styles and many different cultures. But all of them, like the family of Commonwealth nations, in their many different ways, share the same love of life in all its richness and diversity.”

King Charles III, who is the head of the Commonwealth, shared that he hopes listeners enjoy the playlist and perhaps discover new songs through it.

“I can only hope you have enjoyed these few songs I have had time to share with you. Perhaps you have heard some of your own favorite pieces- and perhaps you may have discovered something new.”

King Charles III’s playlist is another interaction between the monarch and Nigerian music as Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage performed at his coronation event in May 2023.

The inclusion of Davido’s ‘Kante’ is a recognition of the global popularity of Nigerian music and the country’s importance to the Commonwealth organization.

Health

Superfoods to Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for defending your body against illnesses and infections. While no single food can guarantee immunity, incorporating nutrient-rich superfoods into your diet can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these superfoods provide the building blocks your immune system needs to function optimally. Here’s a list of top superfoods to include in your diet for an immune system boost.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are well-known for their high vitamin C content. This powerful antioxidant helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections.

How to Include: Add fresh lemon juice to water, and enjoy an orange as a snack.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that support gut health, especially varieties with live and active cultures. Since a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy microbiome is key to overall immunity.

How to Include: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and add honey or fresh fruits for natural sweetness.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the health of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier to pathogens.

How to Include: Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices, or mash them as a side dish.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system. Ginger is also beneficial for soothing sore throats and nausea.

How to Include: Brew fresh ginger tea, add grated ginger to smoothies, or use it in marinades and sauces.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits, making them a top choice for immune support. They are also rich in beta-carotene, contributing to healthy skin and mucous membranes.

How to Include: Slice raw peppers for a crunchy snack or roast them for a flavorful dish addition.

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric may enhance immune cell activity and help the body fight infections.

How to Include: Stir turmeric into soups, curries, or golden milk lattes for a healthful boost.