Explainer: How to check if your church is licensed to issue marriage certificate
Image Source: Bella Naija
Marriage ceremonies are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, and for many, a church wedding is the pinnacle of this celebration.
Imagine father proudly walking his daughter down the aisle as she joins hands with her partner, ready to say their vows before God and loved ones. It’s a moment of joy and solemnity and a beginning of an happy ever after—until the government steps in and declares your marriage invalid.
Yes, this can happen. If your church is not licensed to issue marriage certificates, your wedding may not be legally recognized in Nigeria. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your marriage is both heavenly and lawful.
What Makes a Church Wedding Legal?
In Nigeria, for a marriage conducted in a church to be legally binding, the church must be licensed to issue marriage certificates. This licensing is governed by the Marriage Act, CAP M6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2006).
The Federal Ministry of Interior oversees the licensing process through its eCITIBIZ portal, a platform designed to streamline the registration and licensing of places of worship. Without this license, the marriage conducted by a church is not valid under Nigerian law, meaning couples may unknowingly remain unmarried in the eyes of the state.
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Licensing and Renewal Process
Churches that wish to conduct legal marriages must apply for a license through the eCITIBIZ portal. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Licensing: After a successful application and payment, the Ministry of Interior issues a license certificate valid for five years.
2. License Renewal: Once the initial five-year period expires, churches must renew their license every three years to maintain their ability to conduct legal marriages.
Without this renewal, even previously licensed churches may lose their legal status to officiate marriages.
The Numbers Tell the Story
In Lagos State, for instance, only 102 out of 655 registered churches currently hold valid licenses to conduct marriages. This disparity highlights the need for couples to verify their church’s licensing status before their wedding day.
How to Check if Your Church is Licensed
The eCITIBIZ portal provides a simple way to verify if your church is licensed:
1. Visit the eCITIBIZ portaleCITIBIZ portal.
2. Select your state and local government area.
3. Review the list of churches with valid licenses in your area.
By checking this list, you can ensure that your church is authorised to issue a marriage certificate, giving you peace of mind that your union is both spiritually and legally recognised.