Divorce in Nigeria: how the process works

For a statutory marriage, a divorce petition is filed at the State High Court, and the only ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This is proved by one of the facts listed in the Matrimonial Causes Act, such as separation or intolerable behaviour.

Generally, no petition may be filed within two years of the marriage without the court's leave. The court first grants a decree nisi, which becomes absolute after three months.

Arrangements for children are decided on the basis of their best interests, and the court can make orders for maintenance and settlement of property. Customary and Islamic marriages follow different procedures.