Zamfara Approves Six-Month Paid Maternity Leave for Female Civil Servants

The Zamfara State Government has approved a six-month maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve the health of mothers and children.

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

Haidara said the approval reflects Governor Dauda Lawal's commitment to reducing child malnutrition and improving nutrition across the state. He explained that the extended leave will allow new mothers enough time to recover after childbirth, exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months, and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child.

He added that the policy is also expected to help reduce the risk of postpartum depression while supporting the healthy growth and development of infants.

The Head of Service noted that the state government remains committed to working with development partners and civil society organizations to improve nutrition. He recalled that Governor Lawal approved ₦500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes last year and expressed confidence that similar or greater support would continue this year.

CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the decision as a major milestone for maternal and child nutrition in Zamfara. He said the organization, with support from UNICEF, had long advocated for increased nutrition funding and the adoption of a six-month maternity leave policy to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

The new policy aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, which advise exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby's life to reduce infant mortality, improve nutrition, and support healthy growth and development. It is expected to provide working mothers with the time needed to care for and exclusively breastfeed their newborns while recovering from childbirth.

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