Lagos moves to streamline legal framework for marriage documentation

…as Marriage, Dissolutions Bill scales second reading in House of Assembly 

Lagos State government has initiated moves to streamline legal framework for marriage documentation and ensure proper record-keeping for marriages and dissolutions across the State.

This is evident as a Bill for a Law to Provide for the Registration of Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage (Except Marriage under the Act) in Lagos State and for Other Connected Matters, scaled second reading during plenary session on Thursday at the Lagos State House Assembly.

Speaking on the proposed bill, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi/Isolo 2) stated that many marriage-related legal cases are often complex for legal practitioners due to unclear documentation.

He maintained that if the bill is passed into law, it would simplify legal processes around marriage registration and dissolution; assist embassies and foreign missions in verifying marital status during visa applications, as well as support uniform marriage record systems especially across the IBILE division (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe).

In his contribution, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) described the bill as progressive and in line with the modern standards of marriage regulation.

He stressed that the proposed bill gives both husband and wife a clear understanding of their rights under customary marriage and empowers them to enter and exit marriages within the boundaries of the Law.

Tobun expressed concerns over individuals who interfere with marriage proceedings, suggesting that the bill should include penalties for such intrusions.

Emphasizing the need for a proper marriage database, Hon. Bonu Solomon (Babadgry 1)  noted that Lagos State is moving towards aligning with global best practices in marriage regulation, opining that any dissolution of marriage must go through court intervention for legality and fairness.

Solomon noted that sanctions for single mothers who end marriages without legal backing and husbands who neglect their marital responsibilities should be included in the Bill.

Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) suggested that the Law should permit distance marriages, allowing individuals to legally marry across borders through established legal channels.

Lending her voice, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, (Lagos Island 1) stressed the importance of child welfare and calls for the inclusion of provision for full child support, especially in cases of broken marriages, to ensure that minors are adequately cared for under the Law.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa emphasized the need to continually make laws that will benefit the evolving society which protects both partners and children in marriages.

Obasa thereafter committed the proposed Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further legislative scrutiny.