The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is poised to introduce a controversial bill that seeks to criminalise sexual relations between unmarried women and married men, proposing a 10-year imprisonment term for women found guilty of the offence.

The legislative move, which is scheduled for final consideration on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is aimed at stemming what lawmakers describe as the rising incidence of extramarital sexual relationships in the state.

According to the draft bill sponsored by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Etim, any young woman, lady or adult female caught engaging in sexual intercourse with a married man shall, upon conviction, serve a custodial sentence of 10 years without the option of fine.

The legislation also proposes a monetary penalty of N2 million against the married man involved, underlining a perceived need by the lawmakers to deter both parties from engaging in extra-marital sexual conduct.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, the Speaker of the House said the bill was borne out of widespread concerns over societal values and family stability.

Lawmakers, he said, believe that the move would reinforce marital fidelity and protect the sanctity of marriage in the state.

The proposed law has, however, generated intense debate on social and political platforms across the country, with critics questioning its enforceability and implications for civil liberties.

Legal experts have pointed out that criminalising consensual sexual conduct may raise constitutional and human rights issues, explaining that personal relationships are generally protected by privacy rights under Nigerian law.

Human rights groups have also described the proposal as regressive and discriminatory, warning that it could further marginalise women and entangle the judiciary in private matters that are difficult to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

Supporters, however, contend that the bill is necessary to uphold cultural norms and curb behaviour they say is inimical to societal values.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly will convene plenary on Tuesday to debate the final reading of the bill before it is put forward for assent by the Governor.