The 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 Service, Yakubu Haidara, while receiving a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

According to Haidara, the approval reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition for infants across the state.

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

He said the extended maternity leave would give mothers enough time to recover after childbirth, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, support exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen the bond between mothers and their babies.

“It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,” Haidara said.

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

He also recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500m in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes last year and expressed confidence that the government would continue or even increase support this year.

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

Haidara assured the delegation that the state government would continue working with development partners and civil society organisations to fight child malnutrition.

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

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