Child marriage is any marriage of a child younger than18 years. In this sence, it is a violation of the right of the child. Child marriage affects more women than men, denying them their childhood, opportunity for personal development, reproductively health, education and participation in civil life thereby reinforcing the gendered nature of poverty. Laws have been put in place by national governments, international organization and other human right instrument to put an end to this act, but all to no avail. It is in this regard that this article r attempts to examine the nexus between child marriage and development, particularly the effects associated with such connection. The methodology employed is descriptive analysis and secondary sources of material relevant to the topic are reviewed. The theoretical stand point is based on the radical feminist approach. Accordingly, this article proposes that child marriage is an impediment to progress and development as such, the established laws should be enforced and defaulters punished as this will pave way for development in society. 

Keywords: Child, Marriage, Girl child, Societal Development.