The Anambra State Government has introduced sweeping new funeral regulations aimed at ending extravagant burial ceremonies and reducing the financial burden on grieving families.
Under the new law passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, all burials must now take place strictly on Saturdays and be completed within a single day. Midweek funerals from Monday to Friday have been banned as part of efforts to improve productivity and discourage prolonged celebrations that disrupt business and social activities.
One of the most controversial provisions outlaws the presentation of expensive condolence gifts such as cows, goats, bags of rice and other costly items traditionally given during funerals. Mourners are now limited to offering money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks.
Anyone found violating the law could face a ₦100,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.
The legislation also abolishes wake-keep ceremonies and places strict limits on funeral-related gatherings. Vigil masses and services of songs must end by 9 p.m., while serving food, drinks, live music or cultural entertainment during such events has been prohibited.
Public funeral displays have also been restricted. Posters, billboards and banners featuring deceased persons are no longer allowed across the state, except for temporary directional signs displayed within seven days of the burial.
The reforms further ban:
- Public display or advertisement of caskets
- Dancing with caskets
- Distribution of souvenirs at funerals
- Second burial ceremonies, except in inheritance-related cases
- Excessive use of aso ebi beyond immediate family and approved groups
The law also limits funeral undertakers to six persons and states that corpses must not remain in mortuaries for more than two months. Bodies left longer risk being classified as “rejected corpses” and may be buried in government-designated burial grounds.
Authorities say community monitoring committees will oversee compliance, approve burial plans and monitor death registrations.
According to the state government, the reforms are intended to restore dignity to funerals, reduce unnecessary spending and ease the economic pressure many families face during periods of mourning.
