The prenuptial agreement involves written bonds and promissory notes that are considered legal, giving rights and authority to properties of loved ones should there be a divorce or death when both are married. Here in Nigeria, this is hardly practiced, especially because relationships are hardly given substantial value or significance unless there has been a formal commitment, which is often in the form of open engagement with rings as symbols. Yet, intending couples I have known hardly have prenuptial agreements and possibly are void of verbal agreements.
The average couple in Nigeria is probably intending to start the new phase of marriage with support from the spouse and may not have the luxury and abundance of properties worth committing to their partners. But, peradventure there is an abundance of resources between intending couples, I believe only a selected few may engage in a prenuptial agreement.
Prenuptial agreements between intending couples are usually done mostly as a form of security, especially for the woman, and less likely for reasons of love shared between both partners. Most often, such bonds, if done, are when couples are married or even as a written will. I remember a friend who confided in me, stating how he regretted having a court wedding, which gave the wife access to 50% of his property should there be a divorce. Unfortunately, the rates of divorce have been on the rise within the past decade, making the value and necessity for such contracts relevant.
Love, on the other hand, is essential for intending couples; however, it is not enough to serve as a security. Prenuptial agreements, however, have the risk of passing a wrong message, such as doubt or uncertainty, to the intending couple and would need such contracts as collateral for damages that may be incurred in the future.
Though I have not seen a prenuptial agreement practiced in this part of the world, I would not want to be a party to it. I do not see myself being dragged to commit my resources to my intended partner for either the sake of love or security. I can easily agree to having a will done by a lawyer after marriage, which could be for the security of my spouse and children.
Though having to sign such a prenuptial agreement does not negate love yet, it brews a form of disparity in strength and weakness between intending couples as well as facilitates (which may be out of compulsion) the continuity of the relationship leading to marriage.
The limited resources in this part of the world, in addition to our general opinions of relationships and marriage, may account for fewer incidents of prenuptial agreements, which could be seen as a bond rather than a true reflection of love.
Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.