Kebbi House of Assembly approves Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has approved the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, which mandates compulsory medical screening for all intending couples within the state.

The legislation, put forward by the House Committee on Health, successfully passed through its first, second, and third readings before being officially adopted by Speaker Muhammad Usman.

According to the provisions of the bill, individuals planning to marry must undergo medical tests—including genotype and blood group screening—at accredited health facilities. These tests must be conducted no later than three months and two weeks before the wedding date.

Should the bill receive the governor’s assent, couples will be required to present a valid medical certificate, signed by a licensed medical doctor, as a condition for any marriage to be formally recognized.

The bill also outlines penalties for violations. Religious leaders, traditional authorities, or any marriage officiant who conducts a wedding without confirming valid medical documentation could face a ₦200,000 fine or up to six months in prison.

Additionally, healthcare professionals found guilty of issuing false test results may be fined ₦1 million or sentenced to one year in prison.

Enforcement of the new law would fall under the joint responsibility of the state ministries of health and religious affairs, in collaboration with community leaders. Legal jurisdiction for related offences would lie with Chief Magistrates’ Courts and Shari’ah Courts.

The bill has now been forwarded to the Governor of Kebbi State for final approval.