Differentials in girl-child marriage and high fertility in Nigeria

In a patriarchal and natural fertility society like Nigeria, girl-child marriage is synonymous with early sexual debut and a prolonged childbearing period, ultimately affecting fertility outcomes and behaviours. This study explored the differentials in child marriage in Nigeria across socio-economic and regional groups, and its association with fertility. The study analysed secondary data pertaining to women aged 15-49 who were currently or previously married from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. About 54 percent of Nigerian women married before their eighteenth birthday. The prevalence of child marriage was high in the rural areas (61 percent), in the North West (78 percent) and the North East (70 percent) of Nigeria. Child-brides have higher fertility than women who entered marital life as adults (TFR 6.8 vs 5.9). The early entry into marriage by most women in Nigeria has a profound influence on overall fertility, given that an overwhelming majority of births in Nigeria take place within marriage. Through advocacy and social mobilization, families, communities, and religious leaders will understand the hazards of child marriage and their role and responsibility in eradicating it and empowering the girl-child through formal education.