The Anambra State Government has implemented a ban on the public exhibition, fabrication, and sale of caskets within the state. Additionally, the depositing of corpses in mortuaries or any other location beyond a two-month period from the date of death has also been prohibited. This legislative measure, enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly, aims to regulate burial and funeral activities in the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State commended the assembly for passing this law, emphasizing its progressive nature. He highlighted that the Anambra Burial Law seeks to alleviate the financial strain on the less privileged and emancipate women from oppressive customs during funeral ceremonies. The focus, he stated, is on promoting dignified funerals that reflect a “befitting living.”
Under this law, mortuary attendants are required to promptly report to the Ministry of Health any corpse that has exceeded one month from its deposit date. Violating these provisions may result in penalties, with individuals facing a fine of N100,000 or six months of imprisonment, or both.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that all burial and funeral ceremonies for indigenous deceased individuals must be registered with the town union of the deceased. The law also explicitly prohibits the obstruction of roads and streets during such ceremonies.
