NCWS Urges Action to Combat Child Marriage in Nigeria

The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has reported that more than 24 million Nigerian women and girls were married before their 18th birthday, marking a significant social issue in Nigeria. In a statement on October 11, 2026, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, NCWS called for urgent action to end child marriage, highlighting that Nigeria is among the countries with the highest number of child brides globally.

The NCWS, led by National President Princess Edna Azura, stated that without funded interventions and law enforcement, Nigeria cannot meet its 2030 deadline to end child marriage. The Council cited UNICEF figures indicating that 33.4 percent of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, with rates nearing 50 percent in the North-East and North-West regions.

The NCWS outlined an eight-point action plan, including enforcing the minimum marriage age, promoting girls' education, and providing financial assistance to poor households. The Council also called for the National Assembly to review specific constitutional provisions regarding marriage age.