From Premium Times Nigeria · Sharon Eboesomi · · 2m
Reps demand enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age
House of Reps calls for 18-year marriage age enforcement to protect girls' rights.
In brief
House of Reps calls for 18-year marriage age enforcement to protect girls' rights. Nigeria's House of Representatives urges enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age under Child Rights Act to protect girls from early marriage. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
House of Reps calls for action
The House of Representatives called for coordinated action by federal and state governments, traditional and religious leaders to tackle child marriage.
Child marriage as human rights issue
Child marriage remains a significant human rights, public health, educational, and socioeconomic challenge in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting girls in vulnerable communities.
Impact on girls
Early marriage deprives girls of childhood, limits education access, healthcare, economic opportunities and exposes them to vulnerability.
International obligations
Ending child marriage aligns with Nigeria's obligations under international human rights instruments including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Motion adoption
The House adopted a motion titled 'End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child' sponsored by Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
International human rights
The motion calls for urgent action to protect girls from harmful practices, uphold their fundamental rights, and provide education, healthcare, skills, and opportunities.
Government coordination
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to work with Ministries of Education, Health and Social Welfare to strengthen programmes preventing child marriage.
Committee oversight
House committees on Women Affairs, Education, Health, Human Rights and Justice must assess interventions, identify gaps and recommend legislative measures within four weeks.
National responsibility
The House reaffirmed the National Assembly's responsibility to strengthen legislation, formulate policies and provide budgetary support for girls' welfare and development.
Child marriage consequences
Girls forced into early marriage face heightened risks of early pregnancy, maternal complications, gender-based violence and poverty.
Education and health impact
Early marriage limits girls' access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities while exposing them to other forms of vulnerability.
International agreements
The agreements require governments to protect children from harmful practices, exploitation and discrimination while safeguarding their fundamental rights.
National assembly action
The House called for coordinated action by federal and state governments, local councils, traditional and religious leaders, parents, communities and development partners.
Next steps
The House mandates committees to report findings and recommendations on ending child marriage within four weeks to strengthen girls' rights and opportunities.
In short
Nigeria's House of Representatives urges enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age under Child Rights Act to protect girls from early marriage.
