ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Action Against Child Marriage

ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the marriage of 33.4% of young Nigerian women aged 20 to 24 before the age of 18, urging federal and state governments to enforce laws against child marriage and invest in girls' education and rights. The statement, issued ahead of the 2026 International Day of the Girl, noted that the prevalence of child marriage approaches 50% in the North-east and North-west regions.

The statement, signed by Country Director Andrew Mamedu, referenced the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey and UNICEF estimates indicating that over 3.7 million women aged 20 to 24 were married before turning 18. ActionAid emphasized that child marriage is a violation of girls' rights, disrupting education and exposing them to violence.

The organization identified poverty and limited access to education as key factors contributing to early marriage. It cited UNICEF analysis suggesting that ensuring every girl in Northern Nigeria completes secondary education could reduce child marriage by two-thirds.

ActionAid shared the story of Aisha Aliyu, who successfully advocated for her education over an arranged marriage.