The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has warned that Nigeria risks missing its 2030 target for ending child marriage unless governments at all levels implement stronger interventions and enforce existing laws.
In a statement marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the council disclosed that more than 24 million Nigerian women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday.
NCWS National President, Princess Edna Azura, described child marriage as a national development crisis with far-reaching consequences for education, health and economic development.
Citing UNICEF data and findings from the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the council said 33.4 per cent of women aged between 20 and 24 were married before age 18, with rates approaching 50 per cent in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The organisation identified poverty, poor access to education and weak enforcement of child protection laws as major drivers of the practice.
It noted that child marriage contributes to school dropout, maternal health complications, poverty and reduced economic opportunities for affected girls.
According to the council, approximately 7.6 million girls remain out of school nationwide, while women who complete secondary education tend to marry significantly later than those without formal education.
NCWS called for strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act, particularly provisions establishing 18 years as the minimum age for marriage.
The organisation also advocated compulsory marriage registration, free birth registration, improved child protection services, conditional cash transfers for vulnerable families and expanded access to education for girls.
Azura urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, government institutions and communities to unite in protecting the rights of girls and ensuring they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“A girl’s childhood is not ours to give away,” she said.
