Overview of MARRIAGE
MARRIAGE OVERVIEW
In accordance to the Marriage Act, CAP M6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), the Ministry of Interior is charged with carrying out Statutory Marriages in Nigeria. There are two types of Marriages which are recognized under the Law, and they are:
Ordinary Marriage: This is a marriage between a Nigerian and a Nigerian.
Special Marriage: While this is a marriage between a Nigerian and Non-Nigerian or between a Non-Nigerian and a Non-Nigerian in Nigeria.
There are a series of services as related to Marriages that are carried out by the Ministry of Interior. These services have also been made automated, in such a way that they can all be performed through the eCITIBIZ portal. These services are:
- Marriage Applications: For one’s marriage to be Legally Binding, or to be recognized under the Law, it has to be certified by the Ministry of Interior. The application for marriage can be done through the eCITIBIZ portal, and a Certified Marriage Certificate is issued, after all procedures and payments are duly met.
- Change of Marriage Venue: This is a service performed for couples who wish to perform their marriages outside the Federal Marriage Registry. They would apply for this service and pay the required amount, so that their Marriage can be conducted at their desired location outside the Registry.
- Certified True Copy of Document: This is a service offered to provide a Certified True Copy of the Original Marriage Certificate to couples who no longer have a copy of their Original Marriage Certificate, either due to loss or theft or under the request of Third Party Agencies, e.g. Embassies. The various documentations needed for this process can also be found under “Requirement”. A fee is charged for this service.
- Attestation of Marital Status: This is a service that is carried out to declare and verify one’s status as either Single, Married, Widowed, Divorced.
- Verification of Documents: This is a service provided to Third Party Agencies seeking to verify the authenticity of documents submitted to them by individuals, be it Spinsters, Bachelors, or Already Married individuals. For instance, a Bachelor from Nigeria living in the United States, would like to marry in the United States, and is asked to submit his Bachelorhood Certificate to verify that he is a Bachelor (has not been previously married in Nigeria).
The Embassy who is the third party, would then apply for a Verification of Document to verify the Certificate submitted by the Bachelor. The details on the documentations required for this service can be found under “Requirement”. It should be noted that a fee would be charged for this service.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL MARRIAGE
Step 1 – Online Application:
Husband:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
- Passport Photograph.
- Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).
- Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood from a Federal High Court/ Bachelorhood Certificate (if bachelor).
- Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
- Evidence of Divorce - Decree 90 and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
- Death certificate of Previous Wife (if a widower).
- Evidence of Annulment from a Federal High Court/ (if previous marriage was annulled).
- Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).
- Data Page of International Passport (if living abroad).
- Arrival Passport Stamp Page (if living abroad).
- Residence Permit (if living abroad).
*All these documents should be uploaded
Wife:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
- Passport Photograph.
- Indigene Letter/Letter of Identification from State of Origin (Nigerians only).
- Sworn Affidavit of Spinsterhood from a Federal High Court/ / Spinsterhood Certificate (if spinster).
- Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
- Evidence of Divorce - Decree 90 and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
- Death certificate of Previous Husband (if a widow).
- Evidence of Annulment from a Federal High Court/ (if previous marriage was annulled).
- Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children (if single with child/children).
- Data Page of International Passport (if living abroad).
- Arrival Passport Stamp Page (if living abroad).
- Residence Permit (if living abroad).
*All these documents should be uploaded
Step 2 – Oath Taking
- Return to the Registry on the selected Date of Interview.
- You are required to provide one witness each on the wedding day from both parties (please note it’s not genders specific).
- You are expected to present 2 Rings (male and female) or a Bible/Quran as the case may be.
What to Wear:
- Wedding Dresses and Suits.
- Native Attire.
- Corporate Ensemble.
(Please note that short sleeves, shorts and jeans are not allowed. And do not be late so you do not miss your time slot)
ORDINARY MARRIAGE:
Step 1 – Online Application
Husband:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
- Passport Photograph.
- Indigene Letter
- Sworn Affidavit of Bachelorhood from a Federal High Court/ Bachelorhood Certificate (if bachelor).
- Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
- Evidence of Divorce - Decree 90 and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
- Death certificate of Previous Wife (if a widower).
- Evidence of Annulment from a Federal High Court (if previous marriage annulled).
- Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children from a Federal High Court (if single with child/children).
*All these documents should be uploaded
Wife:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age.
- Passport Photograph.
- Indigene Letter
- Sworn Affidavit of Spinsterhood from a Federal High Court/ Spinsterhood Certificate (if spinster).
- Affidavit of Marriage (if already married).
- Evidence of Divorce - Decree 90 and Decree Absolute (if divorced).
- Death certificate of Previous Husband (if a widow).
- Evidence of Annulment from a Federal High Court (if previous marriage annulled).
- Sworn Affidavit of Single with Child/Children from a Federal High Court (if single with child/children).
*All these documents should be uploaded
Step 2 – Oath Taking
- Return to the Registry on your selected Date of Oath.
- You are required to provide one witness each on the wedding day from both parties (please note it’s not gender specific).
- You are expected to present 2 Rings (male and female) or a Bible/Quran as the case may be.
What to Wear:
- Wedding Dresses and Suits.
- Native Attire.
- Corporate Ensemble.
(Please note that short sleeves, shorts and jeans are not allowed. And do not be late so you do not miss your time slot)
ATTESTATION OF MARITAL STATUS
- Sworn Affidavit from a Law Court.
- Passport photograph.
- Means of Identification.
*Document should be uploaded
VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS
- Means of Identification.
- Accreditation number of legal official that attested to the document (if you are a public notary).
*Document should be uploaded
CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF DOCUMENTS
- Full name of Husband and Wife.
- Country of origin Husband and Wife.
- State of origin of Husband and Wife.
- Registry of Oath (the Registry oath was taken for the marriage).
- Date Marriage was conducted.
- Sworn Affidavit from a Federal High Court.
- Receipt of Affidavit from Court.
- Police Extract on Incidence of Loss or Theft.
*All these documents should be uploaded
PROHIBITED DEGREE OF RELATIONSHIP
|
A MAN MUST NOT MARRY HIS: |
A WOMAN MUST NOT MARRY HER: |
|
Mother |
Father |
|
Daughter |
Son |
|
Father’s Mother |
Father’s Father |
|
Son’s Daughter |
Daughter’s Son |
|
Sister |
Brother |
|
Wife’s Mother |
Husband’s Father |
|
Wife’s Daughter |
Mother’s Husband |
|
Father’s Wife |
Daughter’s Husband |
|
Father’s Father Wife |
Daughter’s Daughter Husband |
|
Wife’s Mother’s Mother |
Husband’s Mother’s Father |
|
Wife’s Daughter’s Daughter |
Father’s Brother |
|
Son’s son Wife |
Sister’s Son |
|
Wife’s Father’s Mother |
Brother’s Son |
|
Father’s Sister |
Mother’s Brother |
|
Mother’s Sister |
Father’s Brother |
|
Brother’s Daughter |
Sister’s Son |
|
Sister’s Daughter |
Brother’s Son |
We hereby certify that after reading the above Prohibited Degrees of Relationship, we believe that you understand which degrees of relationship are prohibited by law for couples intending to marry.
MARRIAGE FEES DETAILS
| S/NO | SERVICES | FEE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SPECIAL MARRIAGE | ₦ 50,000.00 |
| 2 | ORDINARY MARRIAGE | ₦ 40,000.00 |
| 3 | CHANGE OF MARRIAGE VENUE | ₦ 150,000.00 |
| 4 | VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS | ₦ 50,000.00 |
| 5 | CERTIFIED TRUECOPY | ₦ 30,000.00 |
| 6 | CERTIFICATE REISSUE STANDARD | N/A |
| 7 | CERTIFICATE REISSUE SWIFT | N/A |
| 8 | CERTIFICATE REISSUE EXPRESS | N/A |
| 9 | MARRIAGE OBJECTION | N/A |
PHOTOGARPHY FEES DETAILS
| S/NO | MARRIAGE REGISTRY LOCATION | FEE DETAILS | DETAILS OF THE PRESENTATION PICTURES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JOS-PLETEAU STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 2 | IKOYI-LAGOS STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 3 | ABUJA-FCT | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 4 | BENIN-EDO STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 5 | OWERRI-IMO STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 6 | PORTHARCOURT-RIVERS STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
| 7 | KANO-KANO STATE | ₦ 6,000.00 | 2 (two) prints and 4 (four) soft copies |
MARRIAGE LIVESTREAMING FEES DETAILS
| S/NO | SERVICES | FEE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marriage Livestreaming (All Federal Marriage Registry) | ₦ 7,000.00 |
Marriage Registries
Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi - Lagos State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Ikoyi, Lagos State. Located at Alagbon Close, LAGOS, NIGERIA. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mrs. Onwurah Grace Ogochukwu +234-706 787 4681
Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi - Lagos State
Latitude: 6.4513, Longitude: 3.4297
Federal Marriage Registry, Abuja – FCT
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Abuja, FCT. Located at 28, Borno Street Area 10, Garki Abuja, FCT. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mrs Adebisi L. Bimbo +234-7068600966
Federal Marriage Registry, Abuja – FCT
Latitude: 9.039820, Longitude: 7.48237
Federal Marriage Registry, Benin - Edo State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Benin City, Edo State. Located at 11A Gapiona Avenue, Off Benoni Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State . Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Edmond Daniel Kura, +234-805 960 2062.
Federal Marriage Registry, Benin - Edo State
Latitude: 6.3013457, Longitude: 5.6023996
Federal Marriage Registry, Owerri - Imo State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Owerri, Imo State. Located at NO 12, Bishop S.I Nwaogu Crescent Adjacent Owerri Sport Club, New Owerri, Owerri- Imo State, NIGERIA. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mrs Ibekwe Vivian Chioma +234-7034809866
Federal Marriage Registry, Owerri - Imo State
Latitude: 5.4833, Longitude: 7.0333
Federal Marriage Registry, Port Harcourt - Rivers State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Located at NO. 40 Railway Close, D/Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Aniefiok Udoh +234 - 8027957251
Federal Marriage Registry, Port Harcourt - Rivers State
Latitude: 4.814395, Longitude: 7.007165
Federal Marriage Registry, Kano - Kano State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Kano, Kano State. Located at No 14 Okene Street, Normans Land, Sabongari, Kano. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Aminu Ahmed Babangida at +234-8039493989.
Federal Marriage Registry, Kano - Kano State
Latitude: 11.978, Longitude: 8.5731
Federal Marriage Registry, Jos - Plateau State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Jos, Plateau State, located at 74 David Jonah Jang Way, Off PRTV Roundabout, Opposite St. Finbarr's Parish, Rayfield, Jos. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer care at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr Osiki Osefu +234 - 706 788 1472
Federal Marriage Registry, Jos - Plateau State
Latitude: 9.8965, Longitude: 8.8583
Federal Marriage Registry, Ibadan - Oyo State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Ibadan, Oyo State. Located at Plot 7, Block 1, Oba Akinyele Street, Agodi GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Kola Adebayo +234-705 573 6066.
Federal Marriage Registry, Ibadan - Oyo State
Latitude: 7.3775, Longitude: 3.9470
Federal Marriage Registry, Akure - Ondo State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Akure, Ondo State. Located at No 1 Engineer Jogbodo Street, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mrs. Olusoga Omobola Olusola +234-0802 063 9656.
Federal Marriage Registry, Akure - Ondo State
Latitude: 7.2571, Longitude: 5.2058
Federal Marriage Registry, Makurdi - Benue State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Makurdi, Benue State. Located at Atorough Tyough Road, Nyiam Layout, Makurdi Benue State. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Imonite Ebosele Sunday +234-8038657659
Federal Marriage Registry, Makurdi - Benue State
Latitude: 7.7322, Longitude: 8.5391
Federal Marriage Registry, Jalingo - Taraba State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Jalingo, Taraba State. Located at Behind Sanaf Hotel, Shavon Mile Six, Bye Pass, Jalingo, Taraba State. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Bello Ahmed Mohammed +234-8038397667.
Federal Marriage Registry, Jalingo - Taraba State
Latitude: 8.8929, Longitude: 11.3771
Federal Marriage Registry, Asaba - Delta State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Asaba, Delta State. Located at Plot 142 Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State. NIGERIA. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Ogunwande Taiwo Deoye +234-8038529834.
Federal Marriage Registry, Asaba - Delta State
Latitude: 6.2059, Longitude: 6.6959
Federal Marriage Registry, Uyo - Akwa Ibom State
This is the Federal Marriage Registry authorized by the Ministry of interior in Uyo, Akwa - Ibom State. Located at 40 F-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NIGERIA. Various marriage services are carried out here for all couples. This includes; the Registration of Ordinary and Special marriages, the issuance and re-issue of secured Federal marriage certificates, booking of marriage date, change of venue, application for certified true copy of document, place of worship licensing, and many other services. For other enquiries on services and support please call customer service at +234 (0) 700 009 9999. Marriage Registrar, Mr. Etor Jumbo Egbe +234-9073282833.
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