Anambra government enacts law banning public display of caskets

The Anambra State Government has passed a law prohibiting the public display of caskets for fabrication and sale in the state. The law, enacted by the state House of Assembly on Thursday, aims to regulate burial and funeral activities in Anambra.

Under the new law, mortuary attendants are required to report to the Ministry of Health on any corpse that has been in the mortuary for over one month from the date of deposit. Violating this provision could result in a fine of N100,000 or six months imprisonment or both.

The legislation also mandates that all burial and funeral ceremonies of indigenous deceased persons in the state must be registered with the town union of the deceased. Additionally, the law prohibits the blocking of roads and streets during burial ceremonies unless permission is obtained from the appropriate Local Government Authority.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo commended the state House of Assembly for the progressive legislation, emphasizing that the Anambra Burial Law aims to alleviate the burden on the poor and liberate women from oppressive practices during burials. Soludo stressed the importance of celebrating “befitting living” and advocating for a dignified funeral process.