Nigerian foundations call for urgent action to end child marriage

Non-governmental organizations are calling for increased action to combat child marriage and protect the rights of girls in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

Marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the Kalthum Foundation for Peace warned that poverty, insecurity, and displacement are driving thousands of girls out of education and into early marriage. CEO Ummu Kalthum Muhammad Rabiu emphasized that child marriage is a security and human development issue, noting that in conflict-affected areas like Borno state, families often marry off daughters to ease financial burdens caused by hunger and displacement.

In Ibadan, the Oluwakemi Olusola Girl Child Foundation conducted an outreach program providing educational materials, hygiene products, and mentorship to 100 girls. Founder Oluwakemi Olusola urged the Oyo State Government and community leaders to intensify efforts to end child marriage. The foundation is currently seeking partnerships to provide scholarships for girls who have dropped out of school and vocational training for those seeking practical skills.