Niger State, like many states in Nigeria, grapples with deep-rooted socio-cultural practices that often undermine the rights and dignity of women and children. The orphan marriage saga, which recently gained national attention, exemplifies this troubling reality. Reports indicate that there are instances where underage girls, often orphans and vulnerable, are forced into marriage against their will, denying them of their fundamental rights to education, health, and self-determination.

Recently, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, announced plans to facilitate the mass marriage of 100 female orphans. This initiative, positioned as a constituency project, is aimed at alleviating the plight of orphans who had lost their parents to banditry in the Mariga Local Government Area. He pledged to cover the dowries and necessary wedding materials, citing concerns about the increasing number of orphaned girls due to the ongoing violence in the region. Sarkindaji’s proposal to marry off 100 orphaned girls was intended as a humanitarian gesture to provide for the impoverished and vulnerable girls.

He argued that providing these marriages would help secure the girls’ futures by placing them in stable homes. However, the plan quickly drew national attention and criticism.

No doubt, Niger State, like many other parts of northern Nigeria, has been going through conflicts which have significantly impacted on governance and growth. Banditry and insurgency continue to threaten the peace and tranquility of the states, yet the constitution puts the welfare of the people in the hand of the state at national and sub-national levels.

These conflicts have led to widespread displacement and orphanhood, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of women and children in the region. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women and girls in conflict zones are among the most vulnerable and are often deprived of basic rights and access to education and economic resources.

The initiative faced strong opposition from various quarters, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. The Minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, civil society organisations and women rights organisations raised serious concerns about the plan, questioning the girls’ ages, their consent, and the long-term implications of such marriages.

The minister highlighted the importance of education and empowerment over early marriage, arguing that the proposed marriages could perpetuate cycles of poverty and gender-based violence.

To halt the planned mass marriage, Kennedy-Ohanenye sought legal intervention. She petitioned the Inspector General of Police and filed for a court injunction to stop the weddings until thorough investigations could ensure that the girls’ rights and welfare are protected. Following negotiations, a resolution was reached. The Ministry of Women Affairs, the Niger State House of Assembly, and traditional leaders agreed to focus on empowering the orphaned girls through education and skill training. The case still remains in court as confirmed by the minister despite the ongoing negotiations.

This situation highlights the complex interplay between cultural practices, humanitarian concerns, and availability and use of legal frameworks in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The case underscores the importance of prioritising education and empowerment for young girls, particularly in conflict-affected regions, to break cycles of poverty and inequality.

As the situation evolves, ongoing monitoring and support will be crucial to ensuring that the rights and future of these girls are safeguarded.
Religious and cultural dimension

In Niger State, Nigeria, the issue of child marriage is deeply entwined with religious, cultural, and socio-economic factors. The practice, particularly within Muslim communities, has garnered both support and opposition from various stakeholders, leading to significant debate and controversy.

Religious perspectives on child marriage is controversial. Islamic leaders in Niger State, including the Niger State Imam Forum, have defended the practice of child marriage, emphasising that it aligns with Islamic teachings and cultural traditions. For instance, the planned mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls, organised by local Imams, was strongly defended by religious leaders who asserted that it did not contravene either Islamic laws or the Nigerian Constitution.

These leaders argue that such marriages provide social and economic security for the girls, especially in a context where many have lost their parents to violence and instability (Daily Trust).

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also weighed in, urging respect for cultural and religious practices. They argued that external interference from federal authorities, such as the Minister of Women Affairs who sought to halt the mass wedding, demonstrates a lack of understanding of local customs and religious laws (Daily Trust). MURIC’s stance highlights the tension between national laws aimed at protecting children’s rights and local religious practices.

State of women and girls in Niger currently
In Niger State, women and girls face multifaceted challenges ranging from limited access to education and healthcare to widespread gender-based violence and discriminatory cultural practices. Despite progress in some areas, gender disparities persist, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Niger is a state rich in culture and tradition. However, beneath its vibrant facade lies a troubling reality for women and girls, where deep-rooted gender inequality and harmful practices continue to undermine their rights and well-being.

The recent revelation of the 100 orphan marriage saga has cast a spotlight on the dire state of gender equality in the state, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action to address systemic issues and protect the rights of women and girls. The status of women and girls in the state reflects a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and political factors, with significant challenges and ongoing efforts for improvement.

Currently, there is gender disparity in education, despite efforts to improve access to education; girls in Niger State continue to face significant barriers to learning. Deeply ingrained cultural beliefs often prioritise boys’ education over girls’, leading to higher dropout rates.

As at today, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out of school children, majority of who are from the northern part of the country. The planned marriage saga further exacerbates this issue, as many of the affected girls are forced to abandon their education in favour of early marriage, robbing them of their fundamental right to learn and thrive.

The educational landscape for women and girls in Niger is characterised by low literacy rates and limited educational attainment. Recent data show that the literacy rate for women stands at approximately 22 per cent, significantly lower than that for men. Efforts to improve educational access include policies promoting girls’ education and initiatives like the Accelerated Strategy for Education and Training for Girls and Women (2020-2030) (OHCHR) (UN Women). However, rural areas still face substantial barriers, with only 24 per cent of girls from poor rural families completing primary school.
To be continued tomorrow
Akiyode-Afolabi (PhD) is the Director of the Center for Human Rights, University of Lagos.