The share of Nigerian women of reproductive age who are married has been on a steady decline for over five decades. In 1970, about 76.7% of women in this age group were married, but by 2024, that number had dropped to 66.4%. This downward trend is expected to continue, reaching 64.5% by 2030, according to projections from the United Nations. The shift reflects evolving social, economic, and cultural factors that influence when—and whether—women choose to marry.
The data reveals that fewer women of reproductive age in Nigeria are getting married, and this is a trend that’s not reversing anytime soon. It doesn’t necessarily mean fewer relationships, but rather, it indicates a change in how women navigate adulthood, family life, and independence.
