Lagos proposes law to allow couples receive customary marriage certificates

The Lagos state government has introduced a bill that will allow couples to obtain customary marriage certificates. 

Lawal Pedro, the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice, spoke on Monday during a press briefing to highlight an upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting.

Pedro said the proposed law, titled “bill for a customary marriage and dissolution registry for the registration of customary marriages and dissolution of customary marriages,” is designed to formalise customary marriages in Lagos.

“This will give people of Lagos state the opportunity to have customary marriage certificates and certificates of dissolution of customary marriage,” NAN quoted the commissioner as saying.

He added that the ministry had submitted a bill to the Lagos state house of assembly for the enactment of a civil justice law.

The commissioner said the law would mandate that civil cases should not exceed 24 months in court.

He added that the law would streamline tenancy disputes, limiting the duration of such cases to six months.

“The idea is to ensure that no tenant is owing his landlord or landlord ejecting his tenant when the matter is before the court,” Pedro said.

“Notices will be given, but we will not allow it to be used as an instrument of oppression by either the tenant or landlord.

“No tenant will be allowed to go away with his landlord’s money because the matter is in court.”

Pedro also announced the establishment of the Lagos state criminal information system (LSCIS), which captures photographs and biometrics and records the cases of inmates in correctional facilities.

He noted plans for a bill to create a Lis Pendens Registry to document ongoing land disputes.

“The registry aims to serve as a repository of information on land disputes in our courts to prevent instances of the purchase of land that is subject of litigation by unsuspecting purchasers without notice,” Pedro said.

“This initiative will not only reduce incidents of third-party interests arising from ongoing court cases but also enhance confidence in real estate investment within the state.”

He said the Lis Pendens registry will ensure potential buyers are aware of any legal claims against a property.

Pedro also noted that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has approved funding for the completion and furnishing of the JIC Taylor magistrates’ courthouse in Igbosere, as well as for the payment of 34 flats to serve as official quarters for magistrates.