Towards the process of streamlining burial and funeral practices, the Anambra State Government has enacted a law prohibiting the depositing of corpses in mortuaries or any other location beyond two months from the date of death.
The Anambra State House of Assembly passed this legislation to exert control over burial activities within the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo praised the assembly for the introduction of the Anambra Burial Law, emphasizing its progressive nature in alleviating the financial burden on the less privileged and liberating women from oppressive burial practices. Soludo remarked, "We celebrate 'befitting living' and only a decent funeral."
According to the newly enacted law, mortuary attendants are mandated to report to the Ministry of Health if any corpse has remained in their care for more than one month from the date of deposit.
The law sternly warns that individuals found violating these provisions will face penalties, including a fine of N100,000 or six months of imprisonment, or both.
In addition to regulating the duration of corpse storage, the law addresses other aspects of funeral practices. It explicitly prohibits the public display of caskets for fabrication and sale. Any person found guilty of contravening this provision may face a penalty of N50,000 or one month of imprisonment, or both.
Furthermore, the legislation scrutinizes the registration of burial and funeral ceremonies, aiming to bring a structured and organized approach to these events.
The introduction of the Anambra Burial Law marks a significant step toward fostering a more equitable and dignified funeral culture in the state. As the government takes proactive measures to ensure compliance, this development is expected to have a positive impact on the overall funeral landscape, emphasizing respect and decency in the process of bidding farewell to loved ones. Stay tuned for updates on the implementation of this progressive legislation.
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