Strengthening Action Against Child Marriage in Nigeria

At a National Technical Working Group meeting on ending child marriage in Nigeria, Boladale Akiwumi-Kolapo, the Country Director of Girl Effect, represented by Programme Lead Kosi Izundu, called for strengthened coordination and community-led interventions to protect girls. Akiwumi-Kolapo stressed that ending child marriage involves more than preventing marriages before age 18; it requires equipping girls with education, skills, and confidence.

She acknowledged Nigeria's progress but highlighted the complexity of the issue, citing poverty, harmful social norms, and limited access to education as contributing factors. Akiwumi-Kolapo praised the Technical Working Group for developing a governance framework to improve coordination and accountability among stakeholders.

She emphasized the need for government leadership to incorporate successful interventions into policies and budgets. Mrs Marima F.

Shaibu, representing the Minister of Women Affairs, echoed the call for stronger collaboration among various stakeholders to accelerate efforts against child marriage, which she identified as a significant violation of children's rights.