Rethinking the property rights of spouses on civil marriage breakdown in Nigeria : inspiration from other countries

Abstract

This thesis establishes that the redistribution of “matrimonial property” upon civil marriage breakdown is alien to Nigerian Family Law. A complete separation of property system operates in Nigeria. Comparatively, the thesis determines the suitability of some legal precepts existing in Australia, England and South Africa and how they could be employed in Nigeria. While Australia, England and South Africa have progressed with the tides and dynamism of the society, Nigerian law has remained unresponsive to the plight of spouses (especially female spouses) who are mostly financially disadvantaged on marriage breakdown. A default matrimonial property system, which is akin to the accrual system in South Africa, is proposed. The proposed matrimonial property system will preserve the independence and equality of spouses during marriage and upon its breakdown. A case is made for the recognition and enforcement of marital property agreements which will aid spouses in deciding how the financial and property aspects of their marriage will be regulated. The thesis, however, supports the recognition of the redistribution power of the courts, notwithstanding the matrimonial property system in operation. The courts’ discretion, in this regard, must be exercised sparingly, only when the justice of each case demands it. The need to give sufficient weight and valuable considerations to the indirect contributions of a homemaker and caregiver vis-à-vis the contributions of the breadwinner is advanced. The thesis takes the standpoint that concepts of equity and trust could play a vital role in the determination of the property rights of spouses on civil marriage breakdown. It concludes that there is a need to develop and improve the present legal framework on the property rights of spouses on civil marriage breakdown in Nigeria.