What is early marriage in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, early marriage is a widespread practice. Even though early marriage is prevalent in Nigeria, Northern Nigeria has some of the highest rates of early marriages in the world where 39% of girls are married off before the age of 18 and 16% are married before they turn 15 years old.

What is the legal age of marriage in Nigeria?

18 years-old
The Child Rights Act, which was passed in 2003, sets the age of marriage at 18 years-old. However, only 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states have adopted this act. As a result, in some areas of the country the minimum age of marriage can be as low as 12 years-old.

What are the problems of early marriage in Nigeria?

Poverty, weak legislative frameworks and enforcement, harmful traditional practices, gender discrimination and lack of alternative opportunities for girls (especially education) are all major drivers of child marriage.

What are the consequences of marrying at an early age?

Early marriage is a harmful practice that denies girls their right to make vital decisions about their sexual health and well-being. It forces them out of education and into a life of poor prospects, with an increased risk of violence, abuse, ill health or early death.

Is there still child marriage in Northern Nigeria?

Although the Nigerian government has tried to stamp out child marriage with the enactment of the Child Rights Act of 2003, the practice of child marriage is still prevalent among the Hausa-Fulani tribe (predominantly Muslim) who occupy Northern Nigeria and where Shari’a law is in force.

What are the different types of marriage in Nigeria?

The aim of this write-up is to give a brief overview of the marriage laws in Nigeria and the procedure for getting married in Nigeria Broadly speaking there are two types of marriages in Nigeria, which are Marriage under the Act, which is known as Statutory Marriage and there is also the Traditional/Customary marriage.

How old do you have to be to get married in Nigeria?

The Marriage Act also stipulates that the marriageable age of any person is 21 as it provides that where either of the party to be married is less than twenty-one years of age, then consent must be given by the father or mother or guardian of such person.

Who is the Registrar of marriage in Nigeria?

The registrar of marriage upon receiving such certificate files it. Once all the steps are followed, it is a valid marriage under the Act.

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