The Zamfara government has approved six-month maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health. The head of service, Yakubu Haidara, announced the approval on Thursday in Gusau while receiving a Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria delegation.

The coalition visited to advocate for six months’ maternity leave, increased nutrition funding, and effective budget tracking to ensure timely fund releases.

Mr Haidara said the approval reflected Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to strengthening exclusive breastfeeding and improving infant nutrition outcomes across the state.

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

He described maternity leave as essential for protecting mothers and babies during the perinatal period and for supporting healthier families and stronger child development.

According to Mr Haidara, the governor approved N500 million counterpart funding for nutrition activities last year to strengthen interventions across Zamfara.

“I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” he said.

Mr Haidara assured the delegation that the state government would continue collaborating with development partners and civil society organisations to combat child malnutrition.

“I want to assure you of the state’s commitment to continue partnering with you in addressing malnutrition among children,” Mr Haidara stated.

CS-SUNN coordinator in Zamfara, Kabiru Jangeru, described the governor’s approval as a significant milestone in promoting maternal and child nutrition. Mr Jangeru said malnutrition remained a major threat to child survival, requiring sustained investment, policy support and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Mr Jangeru said six months’ maternity leave would enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, significantly reducing malnutrition and improving children’s health.

(NAN)