# Reps demand enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age

> House of Reps calls for 18-year marriage age enforcement to protect girls' rights.
- Title: Reps demand enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: child marriage, child rights act, house of reps, nigeria, girls' education, healthcare, economic opportunities, international human rights, news, politics, Reps, demand
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/917448-reps-demand-enforcement-of-18-year-minimum-marriage-age.html
- Author: Sharon Eboesomi
- Published: 2026-10-15T20:56:19+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: child marriage, child rights act, house of reps, nigeria, girls' education, healthcare, economic opportunities, international human rights, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Nigeria's House of Representatives urges enforcement of 18-year minimum marriage age under Child Rights Act to protect girls from early marriage.