Nigeria’s efforts to protect girls from child marriage are facing a fresh legislative test, with the House of Representatives giving five committees four weeks to identify gaps in existing interventions and propose stronger laws and budgetary support.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Khafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Rather than rely solely on fresh appeals to end the practice, the House wants the committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Education, Health, Human Rights, and Justice to examine what government programmes have achieved, where implementation has fallen short and what additional measures are required.
The committees are to consult relevant ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations and development partners before submitting their recommendations to the House.
Ogbara said child marriage continued to undermine girls’ rights and restrict their opportunities to obtain education, enjoy good health and participate meaningfully in national development.
She noted that the International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, provides an opportunity to assess the challenges confronting girls and renew commitments to protecting them from discrimination, violence and harmful practices.
The 2026 celebration is themed, “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child.”
Lawmakers expressed concern that child marriage continues to expose girls to early pregnancy, maternal and newborn health complications, gender-based violence and long-term economic disadvantage.
They also warned that the practice can force girls out of school prematurely, limiting their ability to acquire skills, secure employment and achieve financial independence.
The House called on the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to work with the ministries responsible for education, health, social welfare and justice, alongside relevant agencies, to strengthen programmes for preventing child marriage and protecting girls at risk.
Ogbara stressed that effective protection requires more than the existence of laws, arguing that government action must be supported by implementation, coordination and adequate funding.
She also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international and regional child-protection instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The motion underscored the need for federal, state and local governments to work with traditional and religious leaders, parents and communities, whose involvement is critical to changing practices that expose girls to early marriage.
The four-week review will provide the House with an opportunity to assess whether existing interventions adequately address the legal, educational, health and socioeconomic factors that sustain the practice.
Nigeria’s federal structure also presents an enforcement challenge, as differences in state-level laws and their implementation can affect the consistency of protection available to girls across the country.
The committees are expected to submit their findings and recommendations within four weeks, after which the House can consider the proposed legislative and budgetary measures.
