“Lagos Launches Nigeria’s First Digital Pre-Marital Certification Programme to Tackle Domestic Violence and Strengthen Families”
The Lagos State Government has introduced Nigeria’s first structured online pre-marital training programme designed for pastors, imams, and marriage counsellors, in a landmark initiative aimed at preventing domestic violence and promoting healthier family relationships. The programme seeks to standardize marriage counselling practices across religious and community institutions while equipping faith leaders with professional tools to guide intending couples before marriage.
According to state officials, the digital course forms part of broader social protection reforms targeting rising concerns over domestic conflicts and family instability. The training curriculum covers conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, communication skills, legal rights within marriage, gender-based violence awareness, and early warning signs of abusive relationships. Authorities say religious leaders play a critical role in shaping marital expectations in Nigeria, making their inclusion essential to early prevention efforts rather than post crisis intervention.
The initiative, coordinated through relevant Lagos social welfare and family development agencies, also aims to create a unified counselling standard that aligns religious guidance with modern psychological and legal frameworks. Participants who complete the programme are expected to receive certification, ensuring that pre-marital counselling offered across churches, mosques, and counselling centres meets minimum professional guidelines. Policy analysts view the move as a proactive governance approach that blends technology, community leadership, and preventive social policy.
Experts in family development and gender advocacy have welcomed the programme, noting that many marital disputes escalate due to inadequate preparation and limited access to structured counselling. By digitizing the process, Lagos State hopes to expand accessibility, improve monitoring, and gather data that can inform future policies addressing domestic violence and family welfare nationwide. Observers say the initiative could serve as a model for other Nigerian states and African cities seeking innovative solutions to strengthen social cohesion.