The House of Representatives has called for the immediate and strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which sets 18 years as the legal minimum age for marriage in Nigeria. The resolution forms part of a renewed legislative push to end child marriage, safeguard the rights of the girl child, and ensure equal developmental opportunities across all regions.
The resolution was passed following the unanimous adoption of a motion titled “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child,” sponsored by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, in observance of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Hon. Ogbara emphasized that domesticating and effectively implementing child rights legislation in all states remains critical to providing uniform protection for every child in Nigeria, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic background. She highlighted that child marriage continues to pose severe human rights, public health, educational, and socioeconomic challenges, disproportionately impacting girls in vulnerable communities.
She stated that “Child marriage deprives girls of their fundamental rights to enjoy childhood, complete their education, and participate fully in national development. It further exposes young girls to heightened risks of early pregnancy, maternal and newborn health complications, gender-based violence, and persistent cycles of poverty.”
The lawmaker noted that protecting young girls aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Education, Health and Social Welfare, and Justice, to intensify national prevention programs and safeguard vulnerable girls. The House underscored that ending child marriage requires a holistic approach uniting federal, state, and local government tiers alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community bodies.
To ensure actionable outcomes, the House mandated its Joint Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Education, Health, Human Rights, and Justice to evaluate existing interventions, identify implementation gaps, and propose appropriate legislative and budgetary framework adjustments. The joint committee is expected to lay its report before the House within four weeks.
