Rushed Marriages, Emotional Unpreparedness Fueling Nigeria’s Rising Divorce Rate, Experts Warn

Nigeria’s escalating divorce rate is increasingly being linked to a surge in emotionally unprepared and hastily contracted marriages among young couples, according to leading marriage counsellors and emotional-wellbeing professionals who say the trend has reached an alarming level

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In recent years, family courts across major Nigerian cities have recorded a steady increase in divorce filings, with many cases involving couples married for less than five years. Marriage therapists note that the problem is deeply rooted in a widespread rush into marriage driven by societal expectations, peer pressure, and the influence of social media. Expert analysis suggests that many young Nigerians now view marriage as a milestone to be achieved quickly rather than a lifelong commitment requiring maturity and emotional readiness.

Speaking in Lagos, relationship therapist Grace Alade explained that the pressure to “settle down early” has created an unhealthy environment where individuals commit to lifelong unions without understanding the responsibilities involved. According to Alade, many young adults lack crucial communication and conflict-resolution skills, leading to frequent breakdowns in marital relationships.

Another counsellor, Dr. Henry Oloyede, highlighted that unresolved trauma, financial instability, and unrealistic expectations are major drivers of marital collapse. He noted that social media also contributes by presenting glamorous but unrealistic portrayals of marriage, leaving many young couples unprepared for the challenges of real-life partnership. Oloyede reported that emotional immaturity is now a top factor cited during counselling sessions with troubled couples.

Mental-health advocates also warn that the decline in premarital counselling participation is worsening the crisis. Many couples opt for quick weddings—sometimes planned in a matter of weeks—without undergoing deep conversations about compatibility, values, or long-term goals. According to a counsellor with the Family Life Institute, couples who skip premarital counselling are twice as likely to face early marital conflict.

Experts are now calling for increased public sensitisation on emotional readiness, improved access to relationship counselling, and integration of emotional intelligence education into school curricula. They stress that unless young Nigerians approach marriage with patience, maturity, and realistic expectations, the country’s divorce rate will continue its upward trajectory.