The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for the standardisation of bride prices and traditional marriage requirements across communities in the state, in a bid to ease the financial pressure on couples and make marriage more accessible.
The resolution was reached after a motion was presented by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo Constituency, Selinah Ukpatu, who raised concerns over the growing cost of traditional marriage rites.
According to her, the rising bride prices and increasingly expensive marriage lists have turned matrimony into a financial burden for many young people, leading to delayed marriages and related social issues.
While contributing to the debate, lawmakers acknowledged the importance of preserving cultural traditions, but stressed that economic realities now require reforms that would make marriage more affordable and less restrictive.
They argued that reducing excessive financial demands would encourage family formation, strengthen social values, and support community growth across the state.
Following deliberations, the Assembly urged the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council to harmonise and regulate bride price practices and marriage requirements across all communities.
It also directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to collaborate with traditional institutions and local authorities to ensure compliance with the proposed guidelines.
In addition, the House Committee on Culture and Tourism was tasked with engaging stakeholders and developing recommendations for culturally acceptable but affordable marriage practices.
The lawmakers further called on the Ministry of Information and the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) to intensify public awareness campaigns on the social and economic impact of high bride prices.
Presiding over the sitting, Speaker Udeme Otong commended the motion’s sponsor for highlighting an issue with significant social implications and praised members for their contributions to the debate.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the Assembly’s resolutions to the relevant agencies for implementation and follow-up actions.
(Source: The Whistler)