Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has approved a six-month maternity leave for nursing mothers employed in the state’s civil service. The decision was announced following a State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago stated that the extended leave is intended to provide nursing mothers with adequate time to care for themselves and their newborns, thereby promoting better health outcomes for both.
He explained that the policy is in line with international best practices and reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing maternal and child health.
To facilitate the smooth implementation of the policy, the governor instructed the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris, to develop appropriate guidelines and modalities.
The extended maternity leave is also expected to increase productivity among female civil servants when they resume work, as they would have had ample time to recover from childbirth and bond with their infants.
Governor Bago highlighted that supporting nursing mothers through such measures is part of his administration’s broader effort to improve family welfare and public health. He noted that providing adequate time for maternal care can significantly reduce health complications for both mothers and children.
The approval of the six-month maternity leave in Niger State reflects a growing awareness of the importance of maternal health and support for working mothers. This policy aligns with ongoing national discussions aimed at extending maternity leave to encourage exclusive breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.
By implementing this initiative, Niger State joins other regions in Nigeria that have introduced measures to support nursing mothers, demonstrating a commitment to family well-being and the promotion of better healthcare practices.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
