By Milcah Tanimu
A groundbreaking report has revealed that child marriage is costing Nigeria more than ₦17 trillion annually—equivalent to 2.43% of the nation’s GDP. This report, conducted by the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, marks the first attempt to quantify the economic burden of child marriage on Nigeria.
Key Findings from the Study
According to the study, 42% of Nigerian women report having experienced child marriage, emphasizing the urgent need for action to eliminate this harmful practice. Some key findings include:
- 40,000 deaths of children under 5 years occurred in 2019 due to their mothers being child brides.
- Around 3,489 girls died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2019 as a result of child marriage.
- Girls who marry before 18 are 23% less likely to finish secondary education.
- Women married as children experience 12% lower earnings compared to their peers who marry later.
Researchers used disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and other economic indicators to calculate these figures, highlighting the extensive financial strain child marriage places on the healthcare system and education outcomes.
Why Nigeria Must Act Now
The study’s lead author, Dr. Xiangming Fang, emphasized that child marriage impedes national development by perpetuating poverty and inequality. “Ending child marriage is an investment in the health and education of children,” he said, stressing the social and economic returns of addressing the practice.
The Child Solidarity Group has also urged legislative reforms to combat child marriage. Chief Executive Emediong Akpabio highlighted that the Child Rights Act of 2003 remains only partially implemented across Nigeria, with just 34 of 36 states adopting it.
Akpabio stated that reviewing and strengthening the legislation could help combat emerging threats to children, including harmful cultural practices and technological influences. Furthermore, reforming the educational system to incentivize the continued schooling of child marriage survivors could save Nigeria billions annually.
Global Commitment to Action
At the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia this November, Nigeria pledged to eliminate child marriage and female genital mutilation through a comprehensive, costed action plan.
The report, funded by UNICEF Nigeria, provides policymakers with crucial data to guide efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which calls for the elimination of child marriage by 2030.
This study underscores the profound social and economic toll of child marriage, making it imperative for Nigeria to prioritize legislative reforms and education initiatives to combat this crisis.
