In a bold move to tackle the spread of sickle cell disease (SCD), the Jigawa State Government has made it compulsory for all intending couples to undergo genotype testing before getting married.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmad, during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to improve public health and reduce the burden of genetic disorders in the state. Couples will now be required to present certified medical reports before they can receive approval from religious bodies, traditional leaders, or civil registries to proceed with marriage.

“The goal is not to stop anyone from getting married,” Ahmad clarified. “It’s about giving people the right information so they can make informed and responsible choices for their families’ future.”

To enforce this new rule, the Council has directed the Ministries of Justice and Health to begin drafting legislation that will back the policy. A statewide sensitization campaign has also been launched to educate the public on the importance of genotype testing.

The move has been widely seen as a proactive step toward reducing the number of children born with sickle cell disease and promoting healthier family planning practices in Jigawa.