ActionAid Nigeria has called on governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of girls across the country. The organisation made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl, with the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights." The statement, signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, reiterated the organisation's commitment to advancing girls' rights.
Child marriage is a violation of girls' rights, depriving them of their childhood, disrupting their education, and limiting their economic opportunities. According to global estimates, more than 12 million girls are married before reaching adulthood annually. In Nigeria, 33.4 per cent of young women aged 20 to 24 were married before the age of 18, with prevalence rates approaching 50 per cent in the North-East and North-West regions.
The organisation cited an analysis of the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey, which found that child marriage remains widespread, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. UNICEF estimates that more than 3.7 million women aged 20 to 24 were married before turning 18. ActionAid Nigeria noted that child marriage is closely associated with poverty and limited access to education.
Ensuring every girl in Northern Nigeria completes secondary education could reduce child marriage by up to two-thirds, according to UNICEF analysis. This would also lower adolescent pregnancy rates and improve economic productivity. ActionAid Nigeria shared the experience of Aisha Aliyu, a participant in its Girl-led Research and Action Project, who was able to avoid early marriage and continue her education.
Aisha's experience demonstrates how access to information, safe spaces, and opportunities for participation can empower girls to challenge practices that threaten their rights and future prospects. ActionAid Nigeria's Girl-led Research and Action initiative enables girls to investigate issues affecting their lives and advocate for meaningful change.
ActionAid Nigeria's work with women's rights organisations, girls, and communities focuses on addressing harmful gender norms, violence, and barriers to education. The organisation's Renewed Women's Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports locally led initiatives to advance gender equality and strengthen the leadership of women and girls.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, stressed that investment in girls should go beyond protecting them from harm to recognising their rights and creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to society. He called on governments and stakeholders to provide the necessary systems and resources to ensure girls' rights are realised.
Key points
- ActionAid Nigeria urges governments to end child marriage and invest in girls' education and rights.
- The organisation cites UNICEF estimates that 3.7 million women in Nigeria were married before turning 18.
- Ensuring girls complete secondary education could reduce child marriage by up to two-thirds.
