Legal Ages in Nigeria

The age you become an adult in Nigeria, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 Voting age 18 Driving age 18 Drinking age 18 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in Nigeria

You are an adult at 18 under the Child Rights Act, though some states that have not adopted it use other ages.

Voting age in Nigeria

You can vote at 18 with a permanent voter card (PVC).

Driving age in Nigeria

You need to be 18 for a private driving licence; a learner’s permit comes first.

Drinking age in Nigeria

You must be 18 to buy alcohol. In northern states that apply Sharia law, alcohol is banned for Muslims.

Marriage age in Nigeria

The Child Rights Act sets 18, but not every state has adopted it, and customary and Islamic marriages often follow other rules.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in Nigeria

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

Nigerian public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.