ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to strengthen the enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and increase investment in girls’ education, warning that millions of Nigerian girls continue to face barriers to achieving their full potential.
In a statement issued ahead of the 2026 International Day of the Girl, the organisation disclosed that 33.4 per cent of Nigerian women aged between 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18.
ActionAid cited findings from the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey and UNICEF estimates indicating that more than 3.7 million Nigerian women aged 20 to 24 entered marriage before adulthood.
The organisation noted that child marriage rates approach 50 per cent in parts of the North-East and North-West regions of the country.
Marking this year’s International Day of the Girl under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” ActionAid described child marriage as a violation of fundamental rights that limits educational opportunities, economic prospects and personal development.
The group identified poverty and lack of access to education as major drivers of the practice, particularly among girls from disadvantaged households.
According to ActionAid, UNICEF data suggests that ensuring all girls in Northern Nigeria complete secondary education could reduce child marriage rates by as much as two-thirds.
The organisation highlighted the story of 16-year-old Aisha Aliyu, whose planned marriage was cancelled after she participated in ActionAid’s Girl-led Research and Action Project and successfully convinced her family to allow her continue schooling.
Country Director Andrew Mamedu stressed that investment in girls should extend beyond protection from abuse to ensuring they have opportunities to lead, participate in decision-making and contribute meaningfully to society.
ActionAid urged governments, communities and development partners to intensify efforts aimed at ending child marriage and promoting girls’ rights across Nigeria.
