House Committee Advocates for Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria

Mrs Khafilat Ogbara, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, led a debate on a motion aimed at ending child marriage in Nigeria. This discussion coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October, which focuses on recognizing girls' rights and promoting gender equality.

Ogbara highlighted the 2026 theme that calls for urgent action to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure they have access to education and healthcare. She stressed the importance of implementing child rights legislation across all Nigerian states to provide consistent protection for children.

The motion urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, alongside other relevant ministries, to enhance national programs aimed at preventing child marriage. The House mandated its committees to engage with various stakeholders to assess current interventions and recommend legislative measures to end child marriage, with a report due in four weeks.