UNICEF: Two in Five Young Nigerian Women Married Before Age 18

UNICEF has revealed that two in five young Nigerian women were married before the age of 18, underscoring what the agency describes as an urgent need for stronger child protection interventions to combat child marriage across the country.

The findings highlight persistent regional disparities in child marriage prevalence, with rates significantly higher in some northern states compared to other parts of the country, reflecting entrenched cultural and economic drivers of the practice.

UNICEF officials say child marriage remains closely linked to poverty, limited access to education and entrenched social norms, with affected girls facing higher risks of early pregnancy, school dropout and long term health complications.

The agency has called for coordinated action from government at all levels, alongside traditional and religious leaders, to strengthen enforcement of existing child protection laws and expand access to education for at risk girls.

Nigeria has laws prohibiting child marriage, but enforcement has remained inconsistent across states, with civil society groups continuing to press for more robust implementation of protective legislation.

UNICEF says continued investment in girls’ education and community awareness campaigns remains critical to reducing child marriage rates and improving long term outcomes for young Nigerian women.