The Zamfara State Government has approved six months of maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.
The State Head of Service, Alhaji Yakubu Haidara, announced the approval on Thursday in Gusau while receiving a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited to advocate six months of maternity leave, increased funding for nutrition programmes and improved budget tracking to ensure timely release of funds.
Haidara said the approval reflected Gov. Dauda Lawal’s commitment to promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving nutrition outcomes for children across the state.
“I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” he said.
He described the extended maternity leave as vital for safeguarding the health of both mothers and babies during the postnatal period while promoting healthier families and better child development.
“It provides essential time for physical recovery, helps prevent postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding between mother and child,” Haidara said.
He welcomed the advocacy team, noting that the government and civil society organisations shared the common goal of protecting children and securing healthier future generations.
“I welcome you for this advocacy visit. I believe we are all working towards protecting our children and ensuring good health for future generations,” he added.
Haidara recalled that Gov. Lawal approved N500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition activities last year to strengthen interventions across the state.
He expressed confidence that the governor would sustain or even increase the funding this year in view of his commitment to improving nutrition programmes.
“I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” he said.
He assured the delegation of the government’s continued collaboration with development partners and civil society organisations to combat child malnutrition.
“I want to assure you of the state’s commitment to continue partnering with you in addressing malnutrition among children,” he added.
Earlier, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the governor’s approval as a major milestone in advancing maternal and child nutrition.
He said malnutrition remained a serious threat to child survival, requiring sustained investment, supportive policies and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“We are working with UNICEF support to advocate increased nutrition funding and promote exclusive breastfeeding,” Jangeru said.
He noted that six months of maternity leave would enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, significantly reducing malnutrition and improving child health outcomes.
“We appreciate the governor for the kind gesture and prompt response to our advocacy,” he said.
Jangeru also commended the Head of Service for facilitating the engagements that culminated in the approval of the extended maternity leave policy.
“We also appreciate the Head of Service for the timely facilitation that led to the governor’s approval,” he added. (NAN)
