ActionAid Nigeria Advocates Against Child Marriage in 2026

ActionAid Nigeria has urged the Federal and State Governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and invest in protecting girls' rights. This call was made in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl, observed on October 11, with the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” The statement, signed by Andrew Mamedu, PhD, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, emphasized the need to protect girls from harmful practices and provide them with educational opportunities.

The organization reported that 33.4% of young women aged 20 to 24 in Nigeria were married before age 18, with rates approaching 50% in the North-East and North-West. ActionAid Nigeria linked child marriage to poverty and limited education, citing that ensuring every girl in Northern Nigeria completes secondary education could reduce child marriage by up to two-thirds.

The organization shared the story of Aisha Aliyu, who, after participating in a project, successfully advocated for her right to continue her education instead of marrying at 16.