A Non-Governmental Organization in Kogi state, central Nigeria, Foundation for Enhancement and Promotion of Family Life (FEPFL), says Kogi state government in North-Central Nigeria, will generate annual revenue worth N4bn from the proposed Marriage Law pending at the state Assembly if passed into law.
Speaking at a media dialogue in Lokoja, on the proposed legislation and revenue benefit to Kogi state government, Mr. John Amabi, Executive Director, Foundation for Enhancement and Promotion of Family Life (FEPFL), says Okene local government area, has the highest rate of divorce in the state.
Amabi, explains that the bill, which is at second and third readings at Kogi House of Assembly will not only generate revenue to the state but would also promote matrimonial peace and harmony in families, foster marital unions and security in communities.
He says lack of standard for marriage processing in Nigeria by the government, contributes to failed marriages in the state because, “We left everything to religions and tradition.
” We believe that once this matrimonial bill is passed into law in Kogi state, it will help instill morals in families and the society in general will be more peaceful and secured.
“It’s a fact that when there’s peace and security in the families and Communities, the society will indeed, be better in terms of development. Besides, it’s estimated that each of the 21 Local Government Area of the state can generate over N200, 000 as revenue annually from the processes involving marriage, ” he stated.
Amabi, decried the delay in the passage of 2020 bill which he said was Largely responsible for lack of fund to facilitate its passage at the state house of assembly.
According to him, “Lack of N1.9 million is what is preventing the Bill from passage at the House of Assembly.
“We need one million Naira to organize the public hearing, N500, 000 for drafting of the bill and N200, 000 for reproduction of 50 copies for the public hearing.
Again, we need N200, 000 for reproduction of 100 copies for the 2nd and 3rd reading of the bill,” he said.
The executive director called on the state government, the legislators and stakeholders to support the NGO in its struggle to ensure that the bill is passed into law for the growth and development of Kogi state.
The Foundation however, seeks early passage of the proposed legislation to protect marriages in the state.
