The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that it generated approximately N2.4 billion from marriage contracts in 2024 through the Ministry of Interior’s marriage registry.
Marriage Revenue and Immigration Control
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that the revenue came from the fees collected for statutory marriages conducted at federal marriage registries across the country.
Additionally, the government repatriated 828 illegal aliens as part of its immigration enforcement efforts.
Government’s Position on Marriages and Immigration
The Ministry of Interior oversees the legalization of marriages under the Marriage Act, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The repatriation of illegal immigrants aligns with the government’s border control measures to regulate migration and security.
Rising Cost of Living and Marriage Trends
This revelation comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s rising cost of living, with reports indicating that the price of rice has surged from N2,500 in 2000 to N105,000 in 2024.
The monetization of marriage services by the government highlights its efforts to generate non-oil revenue while maintaining regulatory oversight on marital contracts.
