UNICEF Reveals 39% of Kano Girls Marry Before 18

UNICEF has disclosed that 39% of girls in Kano State are married before the age of 18, surpassing the national average of 33.4%. Mr Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, made this announcement at the launch of the National Strategy and Costed Action Plan for Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria (2025–2030), organized by the Federal and State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

Ur-Rehman, represented by Mona Aika, emphasized that child marriage poses a serious threat to children's rights, hindering girls' education and exposing them to risks. He noted that states like Bauchi, Jigawa, and Katsina have even higher prevalence rates.

Ur-Rehman called for addressing poverty, gender inequality, and ensuring girls remain in school. He praised the federal government for the national strategy but stressed the need for adequate funding and implementation.

Aishatu Abdulkadir, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry, highlighted the importance of collective action and educational initiatives to combat child marriage.