The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to rigorously enforce an existing law prohibiting extravagant spending during pre-wedding activities, citing concerns that escalating costs are deterring young people from entering marriage and contributing to social challenges in the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the disclosure in a statement released on Sunday, January 25, 2026, through the Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa. The governor expressed deep concern over the growing trend of excessive financial demands associated with pre-wedding ceremonies, which he said have placed unsustainable burdens on intending couples, particularly young men and women of marriageable age.
“The growing culture of unnecessary and excessive pre-wedding activities has imposed heavy financial burdens on intending couples and has discouraged many young people from getting married,” Governor Aliyu was quoted as saying in the official statement. He highlighted that this phenomenon has led to an increase in the number of unmarried individuals in Sokoto State and has also been linked to rising instances of immoral behavior among youths unable to afford the high costs demanded by families and societal expectations.
The governor pointed out that despite the existence of a state law specifically designed to curb such extravagance, compliance has been inconsistent. Reports indicate that some parents, guardians, and families continue to organize lavish displays of wealth during wedding preparations, often involving elaborate events, excessive gifts, and ostentatious celebrations that far exceed modest Islamic guidelines for marriage.
To address these persistent issues, Governor Aliyu revealed that his administration will soon convene relevant stakeholders—including religious leaders, traditional rulers, community representatives, and legal experts—to review and strengthen the existing legislation. “We will soon bring together relevant stakeholders to further review the existing law banning extravagance in pre-wedding activities in the state,” he stated. The move signals a renewed commitment to full enforcement, potentially including stricter monitoring, penalties for violations, and public awareness campaigns to promote simpler, more affordable wedding practices.
The law in question, passed by the Sokoto State House of Assembly in May 2023, aims to regulate and limit extravagant spending not only on weddings but also on naming ceremonies, circumcisions, and other traditional events. It reflects broader efforts in northern Nigeria to align cultural practices with Islamic principles that emphasize simplicity (zuhd) in marriage, as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who advocated for easy and accessible unions to prevent immorality and promote family stability.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that government intervention is essential to safeguard young people from customs that render marriage unattainable for many. He called on parents, guardians, Islamic scholars (ulama), and traditional rulers to actively support the enforcement drive. “Marriage should be made easy and affordable in line with Islamic teachings,” he urged, stressing the moral and social imperative of reducing barriers to lawful unions.
The announcement came during the commissioning of the remodelled Zawiyatu Sheikh Aliyu Bunza Jumu’at Mosque and Islamiyya School in Sokoto, an event that underscored the administration's ongoing investments in religious infrastructure and Islamic education. The governor used the occasion to highlight his government's broader agenda of promoting Islamic values while addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Special Guest of Honour, Sheikh Aminu Wali Ayu Zuru, commended Governor Aliyu for the extensive reconstruction and remodelling of Jumu’ah mosques and Islamiyya schools across the state. “I am overwhelmed by the number of Jumu’ah mosques Your Excellency has reconstructed and remodelled in the last two years,” Sheikh Zuru remarked, praising the visible impact on community worship and learning spaces.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, lauded the governor’s policies on Islamic affairs. “Your policies and programmes on Islamic affairs speak volumes. You have followed the path of the founding fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate in Islamic propagation,” he said, acknowledging the administration's dedication to preserving and advancing the region's rich Islamic heritage.
Earlier in the program, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, provided updates on ongoing projects. He disclosed that several additional Jumu’ah mosques are at various stages of completion in different local government areas. Furthermore, the state government, in partnership with a non-governmental organization, plans to organize workshops and training programs for Islamic preachers (imams), mu’azzins (callers to prayer), and other religious functionaries to enhance their capacity and promote ethical conduct in community leadership.
The remodelled Zawiyatu Sheikh Aliyu Bunza Jumu’at Mosque was formally commissioned by Sheikh Aminu Wali Ayu Zuru, who also led the congregational two-rak’ah Jumu’ah prayer, symbolizing the seamless integration of spiritual renewal with practical governance initiatives.
This latest policy push on wedding extravagance fits into Governor Aliyu's administration's wider efforts to tackle socio-economic and moral issues in Sokoto State. Since assuming office, the governor has prioritized infrastructure development, religious propagation, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment. The focus on simplifying marriage aligns with similar initiatives in other northern states, where high bride prices, elaborate ceremonies, and societal pressures have been identified as factors contributing to delayed marriages, increased premarital cohabitation, and related social problems.
Observers note that enforcing the law could face resistance from families accustomed to traditional displays of status and generosity. However, proponents argue that returning to modest practices would not only ease financial strain but also strengthen family bonds, reduce debt burdens on newlyweds, and foster a more equitable society in line with Islamic injunctions.
As Sokoto State prepares to intensify enforcement, the governor's call for collective responsibility underscores the shared duty of government, religious authorities, and communities in preserving cultural and religious values while adapting to modern realities. The coming months will likely see increased dialogue, sensitization efforts, and potential amendments to ensure the law achieves its intended goals of making marriage accessible and discouraging wasteful spending.
With youth unemployment, economic pressures, and changing social dynamics already complicating life for many young Nigerians, initiatives like this aim to remove unnecessary obstacles to starting families responsibly. Governor Aliyu's administration appears determined to lead by example, combining infrastructure projects with moral and social reforms to build a more harmonious and prosperous Sokoto State.
