He, however, said only the ministry has the right to issue the “only valid and legally recognised Certificate of Marriage.”
The local government registrars and the ministry have been having a running battle over the right to conduct statutory marriages in the country.
But in his Keynote address, Dr Belgore said: “The Ministry of Interior is statutorily responsible for the conduct of statutory marriages in Nigeria, Licensing of Public Places of Worship for the celebration of statutory marriages, and ensuring that statutory marriages are conducted in line with the Marriage Act Cap M6, LFN 2004 as amended.
“It is my utmost pleasure, therefore, to inform you about one of the major achievements of the Ministry which is the successful review of the contents of the 2nd Schedule to the Marriage Act known as the Legal Notices.
He called on Muslims to start fasting, urging them to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah throughout the fasting period.
He also urged them to seek Allah’s intervention in the security situation of the country and COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty and urged Muslims to observe COVID-19 protocols during sermons.
He had earlier asked Muslims to be on the lookout for the moon.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.