BREAKING: Kebbi Governor Approves 6-Month Maternity Leave for Female Civil Servants

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved the immediate implementation of six months maternity leave for female civil servants in the state. This significant policy shift comes following a recommendation by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding for newborns.

The announcement was made during the launch of the Kebbi State Food and Nutrition Policy and the Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Social and Behaviour Change Advocacy (MSPAN) held at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Tuesday.

Governor Idris emphasized the need for the state to prioritize child nutrition and maternal health, stating, “The welfare of our children and mothers is crucial to building a healthier and more productive society.” He stressed that the newly approved maternity leave duration would help mothers give their newborns the required exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by health experts.

In addition to the maternity leave approval, Governor Idris also accepted UNICEF’s proposal for financial support toward combating child malnutrition in the state. He approved the release of ₦500 million by the state government and directed that ₦261 million, already captured in the local government budget, be immediately disbursed.

“I am directing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that the ₦261 million is released to UNICEF between now and Friday,” the governor said, affirming his administration’s commitment to improving child welfare and healthcare delivery.

The implementation of this policy makes Kebbi one of the few Nigerian states to adopt a six-month maternity leave framework, aligning with international best practices.

This move is expected to set a precedent for other states in Nigeria to follow, as issues of infant nutrition, child development, and maternal well-being continue to attract national attention. Stakeholders have praised the initiative as a progressive step toward achieving better health outcomes for mothers and children across Kebbi State.