The Anambra State Government has introduced a sweeping new law aimed at regulating burial and funeral ceremonies across the state in a bid to curb excessive spending and restore order to funeral practices.
Under the new legislation, all burials must now take place strictly on Saturdays and be concluded within a single day. Midweek burials from Monday to Friday have been prohibited, while wake-keep ceremonies have also been scrapped entirely.
The law further bans the presentation of expensive condolence items such as cows, goats, bags of rice, and other costly gifts during funeral events. Only limited items including cash donations, a jar of palm wine, a carton of beer, and a crate of soft drinks will be permitted.
In addition, several common funeral activities have been outlawed. These include live band performances, large-scale food distribution, souvenirs, elaborate casket displays, dancing with coffins, and the erection of posters or billboards in honour of the deceased.
The government also directed that corpses must not remain in mortuaries for more than two months, while all burial activities must end by 9pm.
Authorities warned that anyone who violates the law risks a fine of ₦100,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
According to the state government, the new measures are intended to ease the financial burden on grieving families, discourage extravagant burial ceremonies, and ensure funeral events do not interfere with normal social and economic activities within the state.
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