Nigeria has pledged to step up efforts to end child marriage by 2030, as officials and international partners warn that millions of girls across the country remain vulnerable.

At a high‑level National Dialogue in Abuja, government leaders and development agencies revealed that roughly four in ten Nigerian girls are married before the age of 18. With more than 24 million child brides, Nigeria ranks among the countries with the highest number of child marriages globally.

Although recent data shows progress, with national prevalence declining from 44% to about 30%, experts say the gains have been slow and uneven. Girls in rural communities, poorer households and those with limited access to education continue to face the highest risks.

The dialogue was convened by the Nigerian government with support from the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, bringing together policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and international partners.

“Child marriage violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of young girls,” said Dr. Gifty Addico, UNFPA’s Resident Representative. She stressed that ending the practice will require sustained commitment from government and communities alike.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, warned that early marriage limits girls’ access to education and economic opportunity, while also exposing them to serious health and social risks. “It is a practice that must be stopped,” she said.

Participants at the forum committed to strengthening collaboration at federal, state and community levels, while mobilising additional funding and policy support. The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which calls for the elimination of child marriage worldwide by 2030.

Organisers say the next step will involve reviewing Nigeria’s national strategy and developing a cost‑effective action plan aimed at accelerating progress. They also emphasized the need to challenge deeply rooted social norms that continue to sustain early marriage in some communities.

Because of its large population, Nigeria’s progress is considered pivotal to global efforts to end child marriage. Advocates say meaningful change will depend not only on laws and enforcement, but also on keeping girls in school, expanding economic opportunities for families and engaging community leaders.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, campaigners argue that Nigeria’s success or failure, could significantly shape the global fight to protect adolescent girls and advance gender equality.