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The Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, has launched the National Strategy and Costed Action Plan on ending child marriage in Nigeria.
The launch took place on Tuesday at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day for the Girl Child in Kano.
Describing the need for the National Strategy, the Minister in her address stated that there was need for clear policy direction, laws, services, data and finance for the girl child to be effectively protected.
“The Federal Government recognises that protecting the Girl Child takes more than declaration or intent.
“It requires clear policy direction, effective laws, accessible services, adequate financing, reliable data and institutions that are accountable for results.
“Through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the government continues to advance policies and programs that protect children promote gender equality, strengthen families and improve the well being of vulnerable groups,” she stated.
In his remark, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office to Kano, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, called on the Federal Government to ensure that the declaration of National Strategy leads to action.
The Chief Field Officer, who was represented by the UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager, Abuja, Mona Aika, also called on the 10 state governments present at the event to ensure commitment at their levels.
“I urge every state represented here to leave with clear commitments, sustain political leadership, and domestic financing, make education, health and protection systems work for girls, more girls are completing school, no girl marrying before 18 and more girls shaping decisions about their lives,” he stated.
He finally declared that the UNICEF stands ready to work with government, partners, civil society, communities and girls themselves to turn today’s commitment into lasting change because, every girl deserves to be protected, educated, empowered and free to fulfil her potential.
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