A new demographic analysis has revealed that a higher percentage of children under the age of 18 in southern Nigeria are not living with either of their biological parents compared to those in the northern regions.

According to the data, the South-South zone recorded the highest proportion of such children at 13.9%, followed by the South-West (12.5%) and the South-East (11.4%). In contrast, the North-Central stood at 8.7%, while the North-East and North-West recorded the lowest figures, 7.2% and 6.1%, respectively.

The findings suggest notable regional differences in family structure and child living arrangements across Nigeria. Analysts attribute the higher rates in southern zones to factors such as urban migration, educational pursuit, economic hardship, and changing social patterns that lead many parents to send their children to live with relatives or guardians.

In many cases, children in urban or economically active areas are sent to stay with extended family members either to access better schooling opportunities or to assist in household or business activities.

Experts warn that while this cultural practice of child fostering has long existed in Nigeria, the growing socio-economic pressures could expose vulnerable children to neglect, exploitation, or limited access to parental care and emotional support.

They have called for policies that strengthen family welfare systems, improve social protection for children, and promote community-based monitoring to ensure the well-being of minors living outside their biological homes.