CHILD MARRIAGE AND ENFORCEMENT OF AGE LIMIT AND CHILD RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
Abstract
The issue of child marriage in Nigeria presents a multifaceted challenge embedded with intricate legal and ethical dilemmas. Despite, several attempts to abolish this human right violation, the number of children especially girls getting married before the age of 18 remains alarming. The aim of the research is to examine the enforcement of age limit in respect of child marriage in Nigeria. The research adopted a doctrinal method of research. The study relies on primary and secondary sources of information. The primary source includes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Child Right Act 2003, and judicial authorities (judicial decision or case laws). The secondary sources include books, journals articles, and the Internet. The study revealed that the social phenomenon of child marriage and the identified challenges to enforcing an age limit to child marriage are intertwined with respect to the reasons behind child marriage, the potential consequences and intervention strategies to address them. The study concluded that the legal complexities surrounding child marriage in Nigeria stresses the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and concerted efforts in addressing these issues which require a multidimensional approach that not only strengthens the legal framework but also challenges cultural norms and societal attitude.
Keywords: child, marriage, enforcement, limit, rights, nigeria
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