The Legal, Medical, and Social Implications of Child Marriage in Nigeria

Nigeria is among the top 20 countries in Africa with the highest number of child-brides, mainly because child marriage is deeply entrenched in the country’s custom and religion. However, the practice is particularly prevalent in certain ethnic and religious communities in the Northern part of the country, with its attendant disastrous consequences including health hazards and social evils. There is, therefore, a need to abolish child marriage in the country. In order to do this, the following should be established: First, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ought to be amended to ensure that 18 years minimum age for marriage provided in the Child’s Rights Act becomes applicable throughout the country for civil, customary, and religious marriages. Secondly, the registration machinery should be overhauled for effective registration of births and marriages both in urban and rural areas, which will help the appropriate authority enforce the minimum age of marriage. Thirdly, illiterate rural dwellers should be educated about the health hazards of child marriage and the importance and economic benefits of educating the girl child.