Zamfara approves 6 months maternity leave for civil servants

Zamfara State Government has approved six months maternity leave for female civil servants to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and improve the health of mothers and babies.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Gusau by the State Head of Services, Yakubu Haidara, while receiving a delegation from Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

According to Haidara, the approval reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to address child malnutrition and improve infant nutrition across the state.

“I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” he said.

He added that extending maternity leave will provide sufficient time for mothers to recover after giving birth, reduce the risk of postnatal depression, support exclusive breastfeeding, and strengthen the bond between mother and baby.

“This provides important time for physical recovery, prevents postnatal depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes important emotional bonds,” Haidara said.

The Service Chief added that the state government and civil society groups share the same goal of protecting children and ensuring a healthier future generation.

He also recalled that Governor Lawal approved matching funds of N500m for the nutrition program last year and expressed confidence that government would continue or even increase support this year.

“I am sure that this year the governor will also do the same or even more for nutrition activities in his state,” he said.

Haidara assured his delegation that the state government would continue to work with development partners and civil society organizations to combat child malnutrition.

Earlier, State CS-SUNN Coordinator Kabiru Jangeru described the governor’s decision as a major step towards improving maternal and child nutrition.

She said the organisation, with support from UNICEF, had been campaigning for better nutrition funding and six-month maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding.