By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, February 28, 2026(Series News Online)
The First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, has urged local government chairmen to enforce the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Law 2025, making medical screening compulsory for couples before marriage. "It is imperative that we enforce this law to promote healthy marriages and reduce the risk of genetic diseases," she said during a meeting with local government chairmen at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
The law requires prospective couples to undergo medical tests, including genotype and blood group screening, at a recognized health facility, no later than three months and two weeks before their wedding. A valid medical certificate issued by a qualified medical doctor is required before any marriage can be formalized.
Hajiya Zainab Nasare emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of pre-marital medical screening. "We must translate the law into local languages and create more awareness to prevent the spread of diseases," she said.
The local government chairmen assured the First Lady of their commitment to enforcing the law, pledging to carry out awareness campaigns and other initiatives to ensure its successful implementation. "We will work closely with community leaders to ensure that this law is enforced," said one of the chairmen.
The law outlines penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to N200,000 or six months' imprisonment for clerics, traditional leaders, or marriage officials who conduct weddings without verified medical certificates. Medical workers who issue falsified test results risk fines of N1 million or one year in prison.
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Law