Peer-reviewed article

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Implementation Strategies to End Child Marriage in Kogi State, Nigeria

Uguru Wisdom Ibor, Agnes Enang Ubana, Joyce A. M. Ejukonemu · 6 Nov 2025

Abstract

The study assesses the effectiveness of multi-sectoral strategies aimed at ending child marriage in Kogi State, Nigeria. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the study synthesized government policy frameworks, international reports, academic literature, and qualitative data from key stakeholders, including adolescent girls, community leaders, educators, and policymakers. Data collection involved purposive sampling, with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions analyzed thematically using NVivo 8.0. Findings reveal that several initiatives have yielded positive outcomes. Health-focused programmes such as the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) expanded access to essential services in underserved communities, indirectly addressing child marriage drivers. Capacity-building initiatives, free medical testing, and life skills education, particularly under the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), enhanced women’s health literacy and autonomy. Educational interventions like the Girl-Child Education Support Programme (GCESP) improved school enrollment through scholarships, delaying early marriage among beneficiaries. Legal reforms such as the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the establishment of specialized courts have strengthened the legal framework against child marriage, while community-based awareness campaigns have improved rights literacy and social support for girls’ education. Cultural practices, such as the Ovia-Osese Festival, were also observed to reinforce norms that discourage early marriage, though concerns around human rights compliance were noted. Despite progress, challenges persist, including sustainability of programmes, funding limitations, inadequate infrastructure, cultural resistance, and uneven enforcement of laws in rural areas. The study underscores the need for sustained, context-sensitive, and scalable interventions that address the socio-cultural and economic root causes of child marriage. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration and ensuring community ownership are essential to achieving long-term impact. Keywords: Child Marriage, Kogi State, Intervention, Impact, Challenges