FG announces formation of six new marriage registries

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emphasized the federal government’s commitment to supporting Marriage Registries in fulfilling their duties to the citizens. 

This commitment was evident through the recent approval of six additional marriage registries in new locations across the country. The aim is to streamline the processing of legal marriages and make it more accessible for citizens.

In his statement, the Minister highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring efficient service delivery for all citizens seeking legal marriage and a recognized Federal Marriage Certificate.

The approved registries will be established in various states, including Asaba in Delta State, Akure in Ondo State, Ibadan in Oyo, Jalingo in Taraba State, Uyo in Akwa-Ibom, and Makurdi in Benue.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s strategy to realize the agenda of the Department of Citizenship and Business, responsible for the administration of Federal Marriage Registries in the country.

The addition of these new registries, coupled with the existing ones, is expected to enhance the effectiveness and smooth delivery of legal marriage processes nationwide. Full operations at the new registries are scheduled to commence in early March 2024.

The Ministry, under the Citizenship and Business Department, has achieved significant milestones, including the automation of Federal Marriage Registries in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Owerri, and Kano.

The Citizenship and Business Department, part of the Ministry of Interior, oversees various responsibilities, such as processing and granting Expatriate Quota requests and Business Permits, monitoring the implementation of Expatriate Quota facilities by companies in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS).

Additionally, the department handles the processing of applications for Nigerian Citizenship by Naturalization, Registration, and Confirmation.

It administers Federal Marriage Registries across the country and processes and grants licenses to worship centers for conducting Statutory Marriages under the Marriage Act of 1963.

Over the years, the Ministry has achieved remarkable success through the dedicated efforts of the Citizenship and Business Department.