Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has agreed on uniform bride prices and marriage requirements across communities in the state to reduce the financial burden on intending couples and promote marital rites.
This followed the adoption of a motion by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selinah Ukpatu, who expressed concern over what she described as the growing commercialisation of traditional marriage practices.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Hon. Ukpatu lamented that exorbitant bride prices and excessively long marriage lists have placed marriage beyond the reach of many young people, resulting in delayed marriages and other social challenges.
You also read: Broken Marriage Promise: Can a Lady Claim Compensation under Nigerian Law?
She argued that while cultural traditions should be preserved, prevailing economic realities make it necessary to reform certain practices to ensure that marriage remains affordable and accessible.
According to the lawmaker, reducing the financial demands associated with traditional marriage rites would encourage family formation, strengthen societal values and contribute to community development.
The Member representing Uruan State Constituency, Dr. Itorobong Etim, strongly condemned the rising high bride price and other marriage requirements across the state.
You also read: Top 20 Marriage Problems and Solutions in Nigeria with Statistics
Dr. Etim made this position known during plenary on Thursday, June 25, 2026, while contributing to a motion on the need to regulate bride price and marriage requirements in Akwa Ibom.
The Uruan lawmaker described marriage as a sacred institution established to unite families, promote social cohesion, and strengthen community development.
She expressed concern that the growing commercialisation of traditional marriage rites has become a major obstacle for many young couples seeking to establish families, drawing comparisons with marriage practices in some other ethnic groups where the process is less burdensome.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council to review and standardise bride prices and marriage requirements across the communities in the state.
You also read: After 24 years of marriage, God blessed us with twins- Testifies a 58-year-old
The Assembly also called on the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to collaborate with traditional institutions and local government councils in complying with the approved guidelines.
In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Culture and Tourism to engage relevant stakeholders and develop recommendations for affordable, culturally acceptable and sustainable marriage practices.
To further deepen the issue, lawmakers requested the Ministry of Information and the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) to embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns highlighting the social and economic consequences of excessive bride prices and inflated marriage demands.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended Hon. Ukpatu for bringing forward an issue of significant social and economic importance.
He also applauded members for their robust contributions and directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, to transmit the Assembly’s resolutions to the relevant authorities for implementation and necessary follow-up actions.
