Nigeria's Women Affairs Minister Launches Child Marriage Strategy

On October 14, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Strategy and Costed Action Plan aimed at ending child marriage in the country. The event took place in Kano during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day for the Girl Child.

Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, emphasized the necessity for clear policy direction, effective laws, accessible services, adequate financing, reliable data, and accountable institutions to protect the girl child. She stated that mere declarations are insufficient for protection.

Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office to Kano, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the National Strategy translates into actionable commitments. Represented by Mona Aika, UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager, he called on the ten state governments present to commit to political leadership and domestic financing, ensuring that girls complete their education and do not marry before the age of 18.

UNICEF expressed readiness to collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve these goals.