Lawmakers Push for Minimum Marriage Age of 18 to Protect Girls

To fight child marriage and protect girls in Nigeria, the House of Representatives on Thursday called for strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act, 2003. This law sets 18 years as the minimum age for marriage.

The House made this call during a plenary session after adopting a motion titled, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child.’ The motion was sponsored by Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.

This discussion took place to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated every year on October 11.

Ms Ogbara led the debate and said it is important to enforce the Child Rights Act and ensure it is adopted in all states. This is key to making sure all children get the same protection, no matter where they live or their economic situation.

She pointed out that child marriage is a big issue for human rights, public health, education, and the economy, especially for girls in vulnerable communities.

According to her, early marriage takes away girls' childhood and limits their chances for education, healthcare, and job opportunities. It also puts them at risk of various vulnerabilities.

“Child marriage remains a significant human rights, public health, educational, and socioeconomic challenge in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting girls in vulnerable communities and undermining their ability to enjoy childhood, complete their education, and participate fully in national development,” she said.

Ms Ogbara highlighted that girls who are forced into marriage at a young age face higher risks of early pregnancy, health problems for mothers and newborns, gender-based violence, and poverty.

She explained that these consequences can impact their health, education, job independence, and ability to contribute to national development.

The lawmaker said that ending child marriage aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under international human rights agreements. This includes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

She noted that these agreements require governments to protect children from harmful practices and discrimination while ensuring their basic rights.

Ms Ogbara stressed that fighting child marriage needs a united effort from federal and state governments, local councils, traditional and religious leaders, parents, communities, development partners, and other important groups.

“The theme, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child,’ calls for urgent and coordinated action to protect girls from harmful practices, uphold their fundamental rights, and provide them with the education, healthcare, skills, and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential,” she said.

The House then urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to team up with the Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Welfare, along with Justice and relevant agencies. They need to strengthen programs that prevent child marriage and protect girls at risk.

It also called for better coordination among government institutions and other stakeholders to address the social and economic issues that push girls into early marriage. This includes improving their access to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

For better oversight, the House asked its committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Education, Health, Human Rights, and Justice to work with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.

These committees are tasked with reviewing current efforts, spotting gaps, and suggesting legislative and budget actions needed to end child marriage and invest more in girls.

They are expected to report back to the House within four weeks with their findings and recommendations.

The House also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s role in strengthening laws, creating policies, and providing budget support to protect children and improve the welfare and development of Nigerian girls.