Zamfara State has extended maternity leave for female civil servants to six months, a policy shift the state government says is designed to strengthen exclusive breastfeeding practices and reduce child malnutrition across the state.
Head of Service Announces Approval
The State Head of Service, Alhaji Yakubu Haidara, disclosed the development on Thursday in Gusau while hosting a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), a coalition working with UNICEF support to push for better nutrition funding and policy commitments at the state level.
Governor's Commitment to Child Health
Haidara attributed the decision directly to Governor Dauda Lawal, saying the approval demonstrated the governor's resolve to address persistent malnutrition among children in the state. "I believe the governor's approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state," he said.
The Head of Service framed the new policy as more than an administrative adjustment, describing maternity leave as a critical window for both mother and child. "It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding," Haidara told the delegation.
Alignment with Civil Society Goals
He added that the objectives of the state government and civil society organisations aligned closely on the question of child welfare. "I believe we are all working towards protecting our children and ensuring good health for future generations," he said.
Haidara also referenced the N500 million counterpart funding that Governor Lawal approved for nutrition programmes last year, expressing confidence that the governor would maintain or increase that commitment in the current year. "I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state," he said.
Continued Partnership Pledge
He pledged continued engagement with development partners and civil society bodies, saying: "I want to assure you of the state's commitment to continue partnering with you in addressing malnutrition among children."
CS-SUNN Applauds Decision
CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the approval as a meaningful step forward in the effort to protect maternal and child nutrition in Zamfara. He noted that malnutrition remained a leading threat to child survival and called for sustained investment and stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.
Jangeru said the six-month window would give mothers the time needed to breastfeed exclusively, which he argued would significantly cut malnutrition rates and improve health outcomes for infants. "We appreciate the governor for the kind gesture and quick response to our advocacy," he said.
He also acknowledged the role of the Head of Service in facilitating the process. "We also appreciate the Head of Service for the timely facilitation that led to the governor's approval," Jangeru added.
The CS-SUNN delegation had visited Gusau to advocate for the extended leave policy alongside increased nutrition budget allocations and more effective tracking of fund releases to ensure timely implementation of nutrition interventions statewide.
