ActionAid Says 33.4% Of Nigerian Women Marry Before 18, Demands Enforcement Of Child Marriage Laws

ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to enforce laws against child marriage more strictly and to put more money into girls’ education and rights. It warned that early marriage is taking away opportunities from millions of girls.

In a statement issued on Saturday ahead of the 2026 International Day of the Girl, the organisation said 33.4 per cent of Nigerian women aged 20 to 24 were married before turning 18. The figure comes close to 50 per cent in the North-East and North-West. The statement was signed by Country Director Andrew Mamedu and drew on analysis of the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey.

ActionAid also cited UNICEF estimates that more than 3.7 million women aged 20 to 24 in Nigeria were married before their 18th birthday. It said child marriage cuts short education, limits economic opportunities and exposes girls to violence and early pregnancy, and that poverty and poor access to schooling make girls more vulnerable.

It pointed to UNICEF analysis suggesting that child marriage in Northern Nigeria could fall by up to two-thirds if every girl finished secondary school.

To show what support can change, the organisation told the story of Aisha Aliyu, who was 16 when her family began preparing for her marriage to her cousin. ActionAid said its Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, backs local initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s and girls’ leadership.

ActionAid said ending child marriage needs coordinated action to tackle its root causes, protect girls from harmful practices and make sure every girl can learn and shape her own future.

Sources: ThisDay, The Pointer and The Gazelle News, October 10 and 11, 2026; UNICEF.