Akwa Ibom Assembly Moves to Regulate Bride Price, Marriage Requirements

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has taken steps to address growing concerns over excessive bride prices and costly marriage requirements in communities across the state.

Lawmakers are pushing for measures aimed at reducing financial pressures on intending couples, particularly young people struggling to meet traditional marriage demands.

The move followed deliberations during Thursday’s plenary after a motion was presented by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selinah Isotuk Ukpatu.

While presenting the motion, Ukpatu stressed that marriage remains one of the most important social institutions in society, noting that it plays a major role in promoting stable families and strengthening communities.

She, however, raised concerns over the increasing commercialisation of traditional marriage rites in many parts of Akwa Ibom.

According to the lawmaker, the rising cost of bride price and long lists of marriage requirements have become a major burden for many families and intending couples.

She warned that the growing financial demands associated with marriage are making it harder for many young people to settle down, with many now delaying marriage due to economic hardship.

Ukpatu maintained that although cultural values and traditions should be protected, there is an urgent need to align marriage practices with present-day economic realities.

She argued that marriage should not become unnecessarily difficult because of financial pressure, especially at a time when many young Nigerians are facing serious economic challenges.

Following debates on the motion, members of the Assembly unanimously backed calls for urgent intervention.

The House subsequently urged the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council to review existing bride price structures and marriage requirements across communities in the state.

Lawmakers also called for the development of uniform guidelines that would help make marriage more affordable while preserving cultural values.

The Assembly further directed the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to collaborate with traditional rulers and local government authorities to ensure compliance with any approved framework.

In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Culture and Tourism to engage key stakeholders and provide recommendations that would support fair, affordable and culturally acceptable marriage practices.

The legislature also tasked the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation with launching public sensitisation campaigns.

The awareness drive is expected to educate residents on the economic and social effects of excessive bride price and exploitative marriage demands.

Relevant agencies were also directed to monitor implementation and report progress to the Assembly for further legislative action where necessary.

Members described the motion as timely, noting that reducing barriers to marriage would strengthen family values, improve social stability and support community development.

Delivering his ruling, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended the sponsor of the motion and other lawmakers for what he described as a thoughtful intervention.

He later directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions of the Assembly to relevant authorities for immediate action.