Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to End Child Marriage

The Nigerian Government and development partners renewed their commitment to ending child, early, and forced marriage during the Technical Inception Workshop of the Future Free from Child Marriage (FFCM) Project in Abuja. The event was organized by CARE Nigeria, CARE USA, and J-PAL in collaboration with the Nigerian Government.

Jennifer Orgle, Deputy Country Director of CARE Nigeria, urged stakeholders to strengthen systems and promote local ownership for sustainable solutions. Mrs Miriam Shaibu, representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized the need for implementation of the reviewed National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage and its Costed Action Plan, prioritizing girls' education and community ownership.

Njideka Ogbuke from the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of education in protecting adolescents. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment linked child marriage to child labour and pledged support for efforts to eliminate the practice.

The National Council of Women’s Societies and the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum also expressed their commitment to mobilizing communities and advocating for policies that protect girls.