Anambra Bans Midweek Burials, Expensive Condolence Gifts In New Funeral Law

The Anambra State Government has introduced a new law regulating burial and funeral ceremonies in the state, banning midweek burials and restricting the presentation of expensive condolence gifts such as cows and goats.

The legislation, passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, is aimed at curbing extravagant funeral practices and reducing the financial burden on bereaved families.

According to the law obtained on Monday, burials in the state are now restricted to Saturdays, while burial ceremonies from Monday to Friday have been prohibited.

It also stipulates that all burial activities must be concluded within one day, while wake-keep ceremonies have been abolished entirely under the new regulation.

The law further limits condolence gifts to cash, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer and one crate of soft drinks, effectively banning the practice of giving livestock such as cows and goats during funerals.

The government said the reforms are designed to reduce excessive spending, improve productivity, and prevent prolonged funeral events from disrupting working days across communities.

The legislation also bans the display of billboards, posters and banners of deceased persons, allowing only directional signs to burial venues not earlier than seven days before the burial date.

It further prohibits practices such as dancing with caskets, public display of coffins for advertisement, unauthorised use of firearms at funerals, and disruptive youth activities during burial ceremonies.

The law states that corpses must not remain in mortuaries for more than two months, warning that unclaimed bodies may be classified as “rejected corpses” and buried in government-designated cemeteries.

Offenders are liable to a fine of ₦100,000, six months imprisonment, or both, while monitoring committees are to be established across communities to enforce compliance with the new regulations.