The Anambra State Government has enacted a new law banning the presentation of expensive gifts like cows and goats during condolence visits, while strictly restricting all burial ceremonies to Saturdays in a major bid to curb extravagant funeral practices.
The Anambra State Government has ordered a legislative ban on the presentation of expensive items, including cows, goats, and other high-value gifts, during condolence visits to bereaved families. This development follows a new piece of legislation enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday, which is specifically aimed at regulating burial and funeral ceremony activities across the state. The state government views the new legal framework as a major step towards curbing extravagant funeral practices, thereby reducing the financial burden on citizens and ending the week-long funeral activities that frequently disrupt official working days.
Under the strict provisions of the newly passed legislation, specific limits have been placed on acceptable condolence gifts, while midweek funeral ceremonies have been completely outlawed to preserve productivity. The law states, “No person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks. All burial and funeral ceremonies are now restricted to Saturdays only. Midweek (Monday to Friday) burials are prohibited. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day.”
Furthermore, the legislation introduces stringent rules targeting the commercialization and public spectacle often associated with funerals in the region. According to the state’s new directives, “Public display of caskets for advertisement or sale is barred, and dancing with caskets is prohibited.” By implementing these comprehensive reforms, the Anambra State House of Assembly intends to enforce moderate funeral expenditures and restore decorum, warning that violators of the new guidelines will face appropriate legal sanctions.
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