‘Oh No I’m Married’: An Appraisal of Child Marriage Issues in Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Marriage, if done rightly, is one of the most blissful experiences one could ever enjoy. However, the same cannot be said when such marriage involves forcing a child into it. Child marriage is a serious global problem that brings with it undesirable consequences for the girl child especially in Africa and particularly, in Nigeria. Lack of access to education, freedom of will, and the vulnerability to health problems, such as infant and maternal mortality and sexually transmitted diseases are just a few of the numerous consequences of child marriage. This paper examines the issue of child marriage, its causes and consequences. There are also discussions on the conventions and legislations that have been put in place to address the problem. Suggestions have been made on how to end child marriage including educating the girl child, poverty alleviation and religious reorientation.

Keywords: Child, Marriage, Consequences, Girl

JEL Classification: K380