Nigeria: Bill to Make Genotype Tests Mandatory Before Issuance of Marriage Certificate Passes First Reading

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill making genotype testing mandatory for couples intending to marry through a first reading.

Sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and representative of Ekiti North Federal Constituency of Ekiti State, the bill was introduced on Wednesday, pushing for legislative action to require genotype screenings before marriage certificates are issued.

The proposed legislation mandates that both parties intending to marry must undergo genotype screening and submit the results to the marriage registry.

Under Section 3 (1) of the bill, “no registry shall issue a marriage certificate unless both parties have undergone genotype screening.”

The bill further specifies that these tests must be conducted at health facilities approved by the Ministry of Health or another designated authority.

Genotype testing, which examines inherited traits to identify specific genes, is crucial in determining the risk of sickle cell disease.

A typical screening reveals genotypes as AA, AS, or SS, allowing individuals to be informed of their genetic carrier status before making marital commitments.

In addition to requirements for couples, the bill also outlines penalties for violations. Section 7 (1) states that any individual or entity issuing a marriage certificate without fulfilling these genotype testing provisions could face fines of up to N500,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.

Health facilities providing fraudulent genotype results face harsher penalties, with possible fines of up to N1 million or imprisonment for up to two years.

This is not the first time a similar measure has been proposed; however, a similar bill introduced in the 9th assembly failed to advance.

Proponents of the legislation believe this bill could play a vital role in raising awareness and reducing the prevalence of sickle cell disease across Nigeria if it becomes law.

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