The Zamfara government has approved six-month 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 Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) delegation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the coalition visited to advocate six months’ maternity leave, increased nutrition funding and effective budget tracking for timely fund releases.
Haidara said the approval reflected Gov. Dauda Lawal’s commitment to strengthening exclusive breastfeeding and improving nutrition outcomes for infants across the state.
“I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” Haidara said.
He described maternity leave as essential for protecting mothers and babies during the perinatal period, while supporting healthier families and stronger child development.
“It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,” he said.
Haidara welcomed the advocacy team, saying government and civil society shared the common objective 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 said.
He recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500 million counterpart funding for nutrition activities last year to strengthen interventions across Zamfara.
