The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has initiated measures to address growing concerns over excessive bride prices and costly traditional marriage requirements, calling for reforms aimed at making marriage more affordable while preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
The move reflects increasing concerns over the financial burden associated with traditional marriage rites, with many young Nigerians citing economic hardship as a major factor delaying marriage. In recent years, there have been growing calls across different parts of the country for traditional institutions to review bride price practices and eliminate exploitative demands that discourage intending couples.
The decision followed deliberations during Thursday’s plenary after a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selinah Isotuk Ukpatu.
Presenting the motion, Ukpatu described marriage as one of the most important social institutions, noting that it plays a vital role in building stable families and promoting peaceful and prosperous communities.
She, however, expressed concern over what she described as the increasing commercialisation of traditional marriage rites in many communities across Akwa Ibom State.
According to the lawmaker, the rising cost of bride price and the growing list of marriage requirements have become a significant financial burden on intending couples and their families.
She warned that the situation is making it increasingly difficult for many young people to get married, with a growing number postponing marriage because they cannot meet the financial demands imposed by some communities.
Ukpatu maintained that while the state’s cultural values and traditions should continue to be preserved, there was an urgent need to review existing practices to reflect current economic realities.
She argued that marriage should not become unnecessarily difficult because of financial pressures, particularly at a time when many young Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges.
Following extensive deliberations, members of the Assembly unanimously supported the motion and called for immediate 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 make traditional marriages more affordable while safeguarding the cultural values and customs of the various communities.
In addition, the Assembly directed the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to work closely with traditional rulers and local government authorities to ensure compliance with any framework eventually approved.
The House also mandated its Committee on Culture and Tourism to engage traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders and make recommendations that would promote fair, affordable and culturally acceptable marriage practices across the state.
Furthermore, the lawmakers tasked the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation with embarking on public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on the economic and social implications of excessive bride prices and exploitative marriage demands.
Relevant government agencies were equally directed to monitor compliance with the proposed reforms and submit periodic reports to the Assembly to guide any further legislative action.
Members described the motion as timely, expressing the belief that reducing financial barriers to marriage would strengthen family values, promote social stability and contribute to sustainable community development.
Delivering his ruling, the 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 aimed at addressing a growing social concern.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions of the Assembly to the relevant authorities for immediate action.
