In Nigeria, an estimated average of 44% of girls are married before their 18th birthday, placing the country among the highest globally. Nigeria is ranked eleventh in the world with the highest prevalence of child marriage. This occurs despite the existence of laws prohibiting child marriage, creating a stark paradox. The legislation intended to protect children is unenforced, rendering the laws mere words on paper.
This paper focuses on the harsh reality of the widespread practice of child marriage in Nigeria, highlighting how the failure to enforce existing laws undermines the continuous efforts to eradicate the practice and protect the vulnerable. It examines the concept of early child marriage and the consequences of the gap between existing legislation and its effective enforcement. It further recommends steps that can be taken by the government to bridge this gap, as well as the need for comprehensive strategies.
