THE Kebbi State House of Assembly has passed the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, a landmark legislation that makes medical screening compulsory for all intending couples in the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the bill, sponsored by the House Committee on Health, was passed after scaling the first, second, and third readings before being formally adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman during plenary on Thursday.
According to the provisions of the new law, prospective couples are required to undergo medical tests including genotype and blood group screening at recognised health facilities.
The tests must be conducted no later than three months and two weeks before the scheduled wedding date, while only certificates issued by qualified medical doctors will be considered valid.
If signed into law by the Governor, couples will be required to present a certified medical report before their marriage can be legally formalised.
The bill also stipulates stiff penalties for clerics, traditional rulers, and marriage registrars who conduct marriages without verifying medical certificates.
Offending marriage officials may face fines of up to ₦200,000 or a six-month prison sentence.
Medical practitioners who issue falsified test results risk penalties of ₦1 million or one year imprisonment.
The law designates Chief Magistrates’ Courts and Shari’ah Courts as having jurisdiction over such offences.
The Ministries of Health and Religious Affairs will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulation, working in collaboration with community leaders across Kebbi State.
Lawmakers say the bill is designed to safeguard public health, reduce the prevalence of hereditary health conditions such as sickle cell disease, and promote responsible family life.
The bill will now be transmitted to the Kebbi State Governor for assent. Once signed into law, Kebbi will join the growing list of Nigerian states adopting pre-marital medical testing as a legal requirement before marriage.
