UNESCO Reports High Child Marriage Rates in Nigeria

The International Day of the Girl Child 2026 was observed with the theme “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights.” Despite the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) projecting that 30% of girls aged 15 to 19 in Nigeria are married, awareness remains low. UNESCO also reported that only 14% of girls from low-class families complete primary school.

The issue is exacerbated by poverty, with about 70% of families living below the poverty line, leading to girls being sent to work or marry early. Child marriage reflects gender inequality and is a violation of human rights, resulting in health risks such as complications from pregnancy and childbirth, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Many girls in early marriages are married to men at least 10 years older, often without prior acquaintance. Despite public outcry and attempts to amend legal frameworks against child marriage, the practice persists due to cultural, religious, and social pressures.