Child marriage in Northern Nigeria
Sir: Child marriage, particularly prevalent in Northern Nigeria, remains one of the most disturbing yet insufficiently confronted crises of our time. It persists quietly, shielded by tradition, reinforced by poverty,
- By Owolabi Stephen Carter
Sir: Child marriage, particularly prevalent in Northern Nigeria, remains one of the most disturbing yet insufficiently confronted crises of our time. It persists quietly, shielded by tradition, reinforced by poverty, and protected by institutional silence. Yet its consequences are loud echoing through broken futures, poor health outcomes, lack of education and deepening cycles of poverty that undermine national development.
The role of culture and religion in sustaining child marriage cannot be ignored. Cultural expectations place enormous pressure on families to marry off daughters early, often in the name of protecting family honor and preserving social values. In many communities, early marriage is seen not as abuse, but as duty. Religious interpretations, sometimes selectively applied, have further reinforced the practice, even though no faith inherently promotes harm or injustice.
Poverty remains perhaps the strongest driving force. In regions where families struggle daily for survival, marrying off a daughter becomes an economic coping mechanism. It is seen as reducing financial burden and securing the girl’s future. Yet this is a tragic illusion. Rather than ending poverty, child marriage perpetuates it. Girls forced into marriage are denied education, economic opportunity, and independence. They become trapped in cycles of dependency that extend into the next generation.
The health consequences alone are devastating. Girls married too young face significantly higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Their bodies, not fully developed, are subjected to dangers that often result in complications, lifelong injuries, or even death. Many suffer in silence, without access to adequate medical care or social support.
Beyond health, the educational consequences are equally damaging. Education stops where child marriage begins. Once married, most girls never return to school. This robs the nation of talent, weakens the workforce, and limits economic growth. No country can develop while systematically excluding half of its population from opportunity.
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Nigeria must confront this reality with honesty and urgency. Ending child marriage is not an attack on culture or religion. Culture evolves. Religion promotes justice, dignity, and compassion. No tradition should survive if it destroys the future of children.
The path forward requires decisive action. First, the law must be enforced without compromise. The Child Rights Act must apply fully and equally across all states. Legal ambiguity cannot continue to serve as a shield for abuse.
Second, education must be prioritized. Educated girls marry later, earn more, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Education is not merely a right; it is protection.
Third, poverty must be addressed. Families must be empowered economically so that child marriage is no longer seen as a survival strategy.
Finally, religious and traditional leaders must lead reform. Their voices carry authority and influence. They must use that influence to protect children, not perpetuate harmful practices.
•Owolabi Stephen Carter,
<owolabistehen01@gmail.com>
