Zamfara approves six-month maternity leave for female workers 

Zamfara State Government Approves Six-Month Maternity Leave for Female Civil Servants

GUSAU, Nigeria — The Zamfara State Government has approved a six-month maternity leave for female civil servants, a move aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and enhancing the health of mothers and infants.

The announcement was made Thursday by Yakubu Haidara, the State Head of Service, during a meeting with a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

Haidara emphasized that the initiative reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to combating child malnutrition and improving nutrition for infants in the state. “The governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children,” he stated.

The extended maternity leave is designed to provide mothers with adequate recovery time after childbirth, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, support exclusive breastfeeding, and strengthen the maternal bond. “It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding, and promotes vital emotional bonding,” Haidara said.

He noted that the state government and civil society organizations share a common goal of ensuring healthier generations. Additionally, he recalled that Governor Lawal approved 500 million naira in counterpart funding for nutrition programs last year, expressing optimism for continued or increased support in the current year.

“I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” Haidara added.

Haidara assured the delegation that the state government would persist in collaborating with development partners and civil society organizations to address child malnutrition.

Earlier, Kabiru Jangeru, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator, described the governor’s decision as a significant step towards improving maternal and child nutrition. He noted that CS-SUNN, with support from UNICEF, has been advocating for improved nutrition funding and the implementation of six months of maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

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