How to get married in Nigeria (what are the things to check)
In Nigeria, getting married requires the knowledge of some regional laws and customs. The following are the things to keep in mind when planning a marriage in Nigeria:
- The Marriage Act serves as a guide for a statutory marriage. To prevent a false marriage, the prospective couple needs to follow the procedure. In contrast, a customary marriage is performed in line with the unique traditional customs of the couple; these vary depending on the location. Islamic marriage complies with the teachings of Islam.
- Formally notifying the Registrar of Marriages in the marriage registry, having the notice published for at least 21 days by the Registrar, and receiving the Registrar's certificate are the steps in the statutory marriage procedure.
- The marriage certificate is legally invalid even though the marriage may be lawful if it is not in the format specified in Form E of the First Schedule to the Marriage Act.
What are the documents required?
The following are the documents required to get married in Nigeria:
- Valid passports or national IDs: Documentation of both parties' identities.
- Birth certificates: To verify identities and ages.
- Affidavit of marital status: Declares one's eligibility for marriage and current marital status.
- Decree Absolute: To show that a divorce is final if you were previously married.
- For statutory marriages, a notice of marriage must be posted in the marriage registry and must remain there for 21 days.
- Parents' Consent Letter: For people between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Two passport photos are needed for the application process, one from each party.
Get legal advice
It is advisable to speak with a local lawyer as they can offer important guidance on legal issues particular to Nigeria, including property ownership, marital rights, and the legal ramifications of various marriage forms (customary, religious, or statutory). Ensuring that all legal aspects of your marriage are handled correctly can be especially important.
Travel advice - How to travel from UK to Nigeria
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry.
- Use the Nigerian High Commission in London to obtain a Nigerian visa ahead of time.
- From major UK airports, select direct or connecting flights to Lagos, Abuja, or Kano.
- Update your routine shots and obtain any necessary immunisations, including those against yellow fever.
- When buying travel insurance, make sure it includes cancellation, theft, and health coverage.
- For up-to-date travel advice, contact the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
- Make sure you have a safe way to get from the airport to your lodging in advance.
- Acquire some NGN (Nigeria Naira) for start-up costs.
For British citizens planning to get married in Nigeria, it is important to follow the legal requirements to ensure the marriage is valid and there are no legal repercussions. All British citizens should also be aware of international money transfers to Nigeria from UK. This can also be done by knowing about apps to send money to Nigeria from UK.
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