By ABBAS BAMALLI

A report of a study has revealed that the average national prevalence rate of child marriage in Nigeria in 2025 has reduced from 44 per cent down to 28.6 per cent.

The study tagged, ‘The state of the Nigerian Girl report In 2025’, conducted by a Consultant, Mr. Austine Mamedu, was supported by Save the Children International (SCI).

The findings were presented by Mr. Ali Andrew, the Director, Child Protection department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs during a virtual validation of the report on Thursday.

According to the report, the development is against the 2016-2020 prevalence rate of 44 per cent, disclosing that there is a commendable reduction.

“This has been driven by interventions of several actors, including International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), UN Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the World Bank and others.

“These interventions aimed at improving and expanding the education space for girls and enhance advocacy for ending child marriage,” the report revealed.

According to the findings of the report, poverty, traditional practices, gender inequality, and lack of education are the primary drivers of child marriage.

The report recommended educational programmes, advocacy for social norms change, law reform, empowerment/life skills, and also community engagement to address the problem.

The findings highlighted the complexity of child marriage in Nigeria and the need for targeted and context-specific interventions to address the issue effectively.

Andrew explained that the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, was committed to issues concerning girls across the states.

He said, “She is more concerned about accessibility to education, health services, protection, Gender Based Violence (GBV), early marriage and other harmful practices.”

He quoted the minister ad saying, “I’m very grateful for your commitment on issues concerning the girl child. Your visions of girls will not go unnoticed, you are really appreciated.”

Declaring the report validated, the Cross River Commissioner for Women affairs, Mrs. Edema Irom, expressed satisfaction with the findings and recommendations.

Edema, who is also the Dean, Commissioners of Women Affairs, said that they have gone through the report thoroughly; therefore they are good to go for the launching of the document.

In her remarks, Hajiya Murjanatu Kabir, the SCI Policy and Advocacy Campaign Manager, revealed that plans were on the way to launch the document at an appropriate date.

She commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Commissioners, the consultant, and other participants for their contributions, pledging to ensure that every issue raised is incorporated.

According to her, the consultant had traveled to about 12 states across the country for the exercise, visiting two states in each of the geo-political zones.

She called on the government at all levels to ensure that the report’s recommendations are used to address issues concerning the girl child across the states in Nigeria. (NAN)