The Anambra State Government has introduced a comprehensive burial regulation aimed at curbing extravagant funeral practices and reducing the financial burden often placed on bereaved families.

Under the new law, the giving of expensive condolence gifts such as cows, goats, bags of rice, and other costly items during funeral visits has been prohibited.

The regulation states that “no person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer, and one crate of soft drink.”

Violators risk a fine of ₦100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The legislation also introduces sweeping reforms targeting what the government describes as excessive and ostentatious burial ceremonies across the state.

According to the new provisions, all burial ceremonies must be concluded within one day, while wake-keep ceremonies have been abolished. Vigil Masses, services of songs, and related religious activities must end by 9:00 p.m., with the law prohibiting the provision of food, drinks, live bands, and cultural entertainment during such events.

The government further banned the erection of billboards, banners, and posters of deceased persons across the state. However, directional signs to burial venues will be permitted, provided they are displayed no earlier than seven days before the burial date.

In addition, public display of caskets for advertisement or sale has been prohibited, while the practice of dancing with caskets during funerals is now outlawed. The law also limits undertakers participating in funeral activities to six persons.

The legislation stipulates that corpses must not remain in mortuaries beyond two months from the date of death. Any corpse kept beyond the approved period may be declared a “rejected corpse” and buried in government-designated burial grounds to be established in each community.

As part of efforts to reduce excessive spending, the law makes the provision of food and drinks at funerals optional and bans the distribution of souvenirs. Second funeral rites have also been prohibited except in cases involving legacy obligations.

The use of uniform attire, popularly known as aso ebi, has been restricted to immediate family members, church groups, umunna, umu ada, and iyom di, where applicable.

To ensure compliance, the state government will establish Monitoring and Implementation Committees in various communities to oversee death registrations, approve burial arrangements, and monitor adherence to the regulations.

The law also outlaws certain traditional youth activities considered disruptive, including public processions with photographs of deceased persons, destruction of crops or household property, and unauthorized use of firearms during burial ceremonies.

Government officials said the new measures are intended to restore dignity and order to burial ceremonies while easing the economic pressure associated with funerals in the state.