Nigeria Youth Postpone Marriage Over Unemployment and Housing Costs, UNFPA Reports

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released findings from its 2026 Demographic Futures Survey indicating that many young Nigerians are delaying marriage and parenthood due to economic hardship. Resident Representative Muriel Mafico said unemployment, under‑employment, rising living and housing costs, insecurity and limited access to quality education and health services restrict their choices, even though most still view marriage as their ideal relationship and prefer a family size of two children.

Mafico emphasized that the barrier is uncertainty, not a lack of desire, and called on governments to create stable employment, affordable housing, accessible health care, parental leave and childcare support so young people can make autonomous decisions about families and contribute to national development.