Statutory Marriage in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide Summarized

Let us examine the procedures for obtaining a statutory marriage in Nigeria, along with the pertinent laws, advantages, disadvantages, consequences of bigamy, and requirements for witnesses.

1. Notice of Marriage

• Either party intending to marry must notify the Registrar of Marriages of the intended marriage location.
• The notice should be in Form A and signed by the party issuing it.
• After being entered into the "Marriage Notice Book," the Registrar will post a copy of the notice on the outside door of their office and the registry's notice board.
• After publication but before the issuance of the Registrar's certificate in Form C, which can be issued at any time after the expiration of the 21-day period for entering a caveat but before the expiration of three (3) months from the notice of marriage, any person who has just reasons why the parties should not marry can enter a Caveat against the issuance of the Registrar's Certificate.
• Any person whose consent to a marriage is required or who knows of a legitimate reason why the marriage should not take place is eligible to enter a caveat.
• If a caveat is validly entered, the Registrar will not issue a certificate until the caveat is removed by a judge of the High Court.

2. Certificate of the Registrar

• When your Notice of Marriage expires, you must pay the fee specified by the Registry of Marriage.
• The Registrar will issue a certificate granting the parties permission to contract marriage.
• The certificate has a life span of three months after the expiration of the 21-day notice period as prescribed by the Act.

3. License of the Minister

• A license may be issued authorizing the marriage to be celebrated at a place of worship or in the registrar's office.
• The marriage celebration must take place in the presence of at least two witnesses, with the doors open, and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

4. Oath Taking

• Return to the Registry on the selected Interview Date.
• On the wedding day, both parties must provide one witness each.
• You are expected to present two rings (male and female) or a Bible/Quran, whichever is applicable.

What to Wear

• Wedding Dresses and Suits.
• Native Attire.
• Corporate Ensemble (Please note that short sleeves, shorts, and jeans are not permitted).
• Avoid being late so that you do not miss your time slot.

Benefits of Statutory Marriage

1. Speed of Marriage: Court marriages are completed quickly, often within 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2. Legal Security for Partners: Court marriages provide legal security to partners, protecting them from the crime of bigamy.
3. Stress-Free: When compared to traditional marriages, court marriages take less time and effort to plan.
4. Cost-effective: Court marriages are the least expensive type of wedding in Nigeria.

Cons of Statutory Marriage

1. Limited Guests: Court marriages have a limited number of guests compared to traditional marriages.
2. Formal Setting: The ceremony is usually brief and takes place in a formal setting.
3. Less Elaborate: Court marriages are less elaborate than traditional weddings.

Implications of Bigamy

• Bigamy is a serious criminal offense in Nigeria, punishable by imprisonment.
• Bigamous marriages are void ab initio, which means they are declared null and void from the start.