The marriage certificate is the new version issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Interior. These were introduced in 2018 to enhance security and prevent forgery. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
Layout and Design:
- The certificate is printed on creamy-white paper with green and blue security features throughout.
- The text is a mix of black and green, with the national coat of arms at the top center.
- The certificate is divided into sections, clearly labeled for easy reading.
Security Features:
- Embedded security fibers visible under UV light.
- Guilloche patterns (complex, intricate designs) that are difficult to reproduce.
- Microprinting, tiny text only readable with magnification.
- Watermark featuring the Ministry of Interior logo.
- Unique serial number printed with raised ink.
Content:
- Part 1: This section displays the certificate’s title, “The Marriage Act,” followed by a unique serial number.
- Part 2: This section contains the couple’s details, including full names, date of birth, nationality, addresses, and occupations.
- Part 3: This section details the marriage ceremony itself, including the date, time, and place of the wedding, as well as the names and occupations of the witnesses.
- Part 4: This section contains the official signatures of the marriage registrar and the couple.
- Disclaimer: There’s a standard disclaimer at the bottom, typically stating that the certificate is non-returnable once issued and is invalid if tampered with.
Overall, the new Nigerian marriage certificate is a secure and visually appealing document that effectively serves its purpose of verifying the marital status of the couple.
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