Kebbi Assembly Passes Bill Making Medical Tests Mandatory for Marriage

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has approved the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, a law that will make medical screening compulsory for all intending couples in the state.

The legislation, introduced by the House Committee on Health, went through the first, second, and third readings before it was formally adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman.

According to the provisions, couples planning to wed must undergo medical tests — including genotype and blood group screening — at recognised health facilities no later than three months and two weeks before their marriage date.

If signed by the governor, no marriage will be recognised without a valid medical certificate issued by a qualified doctor.

The bill also sets out strict penalties for those who flout the rules. Clerics, traditional leaders, or marriage registrars who conduct weddings without verified medical certificates face fines of up to ₦200,000 or six months in prison. Medical practitioners who provide falsified results risk a penalty of ₦1 million or one year behind bars.

Oversight of the new law will rest with the state’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Religious Affairs, working alongside community leaders. Cases arising from violations are to be handled by the Chief Magistrates’ Courts and Shari’ah Courts.