Zamfara Approves Six Months Maternity Leave for Female Workers to Boost Exclusive Breastfeeding

Female civil servants in Zamfara State will now enjoy six months of maternity leave following a new policy approved by the state government to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.

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). He said the decision reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and strengthening nutrition programmes across the state.

Haidara explained that the extended leave would allow nursing mothers enough time to recover after childbirth while providing babies with the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

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

He added that the policy would also help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, encourage stronger emotional bonding between mothers and their babies, and improve the overall wellbeing of families.

According to the Head of Service, the state government shares a common goal with development partners and civil society organisations in protecting children and building healthier communities. He noted that Governor Lawal had previously approved ₦500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes and expressed optimism that similar or greater support would be provided this year.

“I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” Haidara stated, assuring stakeholders that the government would continue collaborating with partners to combat child malnutrition.

Earlier, Kabiru Jangeru, Zamfara State Coordinator of CS-SUNN, described the approval as a major milestone for maternal and child nutrition. He said the organisation, with support from UNICEF, has consistently advocated increased nutrition funding and a six-month maternity leave policy to encourage exclusive breastfeeding across the state.