ActionAid Condemns Marriage of 33.4% of Underage Girls, Demands Enforcement of Child Marriage Laws
Michael Olugbode in Abuja ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to strengthen enforcement of laws against child marriage and increase investment in girls’ education and rights, warning
ActionAid Nigeria has denounced the prevalence of child marriage in the country, urging governments to enforce regulations and invest in girls' education and rights. According to a statement released ahead of the 2026 International Day of the Girl, 33.4% of Nigerian women aged 20 to 24 were wed before the age of 18, with the rate reaching nearly 50% in the North-east and North-west regions.
The organization's Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, detailed this concerning statistic in an analysis of the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey and UNICEF data showing that over 3.7 million women in this age group were married prior to turning 18.
ActionAid emphasizes that child marriage is not merely a cultural practice or familial decision but a violation of girls' rights, potentially hindering their education, economic opportunities, and exposing them to violence and early pregnancies. The organization stresses that annually, more than 12 million girls worldwide are married before adulthood, highlighting the urgency for sustained action from governments, communities, and development partners.
They attribute early marriage to poverty and restricted access to education, particularly affecting girls from poorer households and those with less education.
Highlighting the potential impact of education on reducing child marriage, the statement cites a UNICEF projection that ensuring secondary education for every girl in Northern Nigeria could cut the practice by up to two-thirds. This would also diminish adolescent pregnancies and boost economic productivity. ActionAid shares the story of Aisha Aliyu, a 16-year-old whose family pressured her into marriage.
Through ActionAid's Girl-led Research and Action Project, Aisha gained knowledge about girls' rights, the value of education, and the dangers of early marriage. Empowered by this understanding, she courageously confronted her parents, leading them to cancel the marriage and enabling her to return to school.
Such examples underscore the importance of providing girls with knowledge, safe environments, and participation opportunities to counteract harmful practices. ActionAid's Girl-led Research and Action initiative empowers girls to investigate issues impacting their lives, gather evidence, and advocate for change. Additionally, their Local Rights Programme collaborates with women's rights organizations and communities to challenge harmful gender norms, violence, educational barriers, and the exclusion of girls from decision-making processes.
Mamedu underscores that investment in girls should transcend mere protection against abuse, focusing on recognizing their rights, fostering leadership, and providing them with the necessary avenues to shape their futures and contribute significantly to society.
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