Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has backed mass wedding programmes organised by some Northern state governments. Gumi said such programmes can be justified in states operating under Sharia law.
The cleric made his position known in a statement shared on Facebook, where he discussed government support for marriage.
According to Gumi, governments have a responsibility to address social challenges created by laws regulating relationships outside marriage.
He argued that public funds could support people who face financial difficulties when trying to get married. Gumi also pointed to women who may have difficulty finding suitable spouses within their communities.
He maintained that the practice should not automatically be viewed as wasteful spending.
Instead, Gumi described government-backed marriages as part of responsible governance in societies guided by Sharia principles.
He said such support could help young people who urgently need financial assistance to marry.
Gumi stated:
“In a Shariah law-driven state, where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited by both divine and state laws, using public funds to facilitate the marriage of women who are in excess of the available pool of eligible men, or of any young person in dire need of marriage, is a legitimate and responsible component of good governance,” he said
Meanwhile, the issue of public funding for marriage programmes has continued to attract attention across Nigeria. Supporters argue that such initiatives can assist vulnerable families and young people facing financial pressure.
